MTEC SmartZone Clients Part of Renaissance Venture Capital’s 2026 Hotlist

Each year, Renaissance Venture Capital releases a list of Michigan’s most promising early-stage companies. This list is called Renaissance’s “Hotlist” – a carefully selected database of startups expected to raise capital in the next 12-18 months.

Selected from hundreds of nominations, these companies represent some of the most innovative and investment-ready ventures in Michigan. Being a part of this “Hotlist” is about more than just recognition. It proves to investors and industry leaders that these startups are poised for growth and ready to scale.

This year, four MTEC SmartZone clients earned a place on the 2026 Renaissance Venture Capital Hotlist, showcasing the incredible talent and innovation emerging from the U.P.

BRCĒ – Advanced Manufacturing / Materials

A 2025 AMMP participant, BRCĒ is redefining performance and safety gear through patented material technology and data-backed product design. BRCĒ is setting new standards in advanced manufacturing.

Sequestro, Inc. – Advanced Manufacturing / Materials

A 2025 AMMP participant, Sequestro is tackling one of today’s biggest environmental challenges: PFAS contamination. Their bio-based PFAS adsorbents, built on patented wood-fiber functionalization technology, are revolutionizing the water purification market with sustainable, high-performance materials.

Hawk Technologies – Automotive / Mobility

Blending engineering, software, and manufacturing expertise, Hawk Technologies delivers engineered solutions for both defense and commercial industries. Their innovative approach to product and process development positions them at the forefront of mobility and defense sectors.

Waldo – Information Technology (IoT, Enterprise, Internet)

Waldo is bringing the forestry industry into the digital era. Their cloud-based platform streamlines and digitizes the timber supply chain—from harvest to mill—boosting efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance for forestry operations.

Why It Matters

Renaissance Venture Capital plays a pivotal role in driving regional growth by connecting Michigan’s emerging innovation communities with major corporations and capital venture funds.

Being featured on the 2026 Renaissance Hotlist is a testament to the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Keweenaw. It shows that the U.P is a place where high-tech companies can grow, thrive, and attract national attention.

Congratulations to BRCĒ, Hawk Technologies, Sequestro, and Waldo! These companies are putting MTEC SmartZone on the map and shaping the future of Michigan innovation, today.

See the 2026 Hotlist here.

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About MTEC

Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) is one of 21 SmartZone Incubators in the State of Michigan. MTEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Its mission is to facilitate the creation and ongoing success of high-tech value propositions in conjunction with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since 2003, the MTEC SmartZone has provided mentoring, technical support, and other services to local companies, leading to the creation of over 800 high-tech jobs in the Houghton and Hancock, Michigan area.