Scale with the best accelerators and incubators in Washington D.C.

This accelerator program leverages the unique strengths of the DC innovation ecosystem, including its tech talent, diversity, and status as a national and global policy hub. It focuses on essential sectors such as health and wellness, education, finance, government and civic engagement, and cybersecurity. The organization is committed to providing equitable access to funding and support, particularly for Black, Hispanic and Latino, Indigenous American, and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs. With a structured timeline, applications open on March 4th, 2024, culminating with a Demo Day at the end of the 13-week program starting on December 5th, 2024. Participants benefit from experienced mentorship, access to Entrepreneurs in Residence, networking opportunities, and significant investment. Notable founders behind this initiative include Brad Feld, Chisa Egbelu, and David Cohen. The institution aims to dismantle institutional barriers while fostering innovation and supporting diverse founders. Through collaboration with community partners, it addresses systematic challenges that limit opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs, ensuring inclusive growth within the startup landscape.

Techstars Washington DC by JP Morgan's Website

The International Finance Corporation is a private equity and venture capital subsidiary dedicated to enhancing the private sector in developing countries. With over 60 years of experience, it plays a pivotal role in ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity through private investment. Recently, a partnership was formed with the International Renewable Energy Agency, pledging $1 billion to accelerate clean energy projects in emerging markets through the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing Platform. Over the past decade, significant investments and mobilizations have occurred, amounting to more than $32 billion in the energy sector, successfully financing over 8 GW of hydropower, 8 GW of solar, and 6 GW of wind projects. In 2016, the organization launched the Startup Catalyst platform to foster early-stage startups, providing access to mentoring, networking, and funding opportunities. Additionally, the Market Accelerator for Green Construction Program aims to mobilize $2 billion in investments targeting climate change mitigation in the construction sector. Its commitment to sustainable development reflects a focus on various industries, including clean energy, fintech, and health tech, while specializing in funding types like Series B and C, as well as debt financing.

International Finance Corporation's Website

A prominent global investor, the organization is committed to supporting and growing innovative technology companies through venture investment and growth capital. Based in Washington, DC, it also has offices in New York City, Silicon Valley, London, and Luxembourg. Specializing in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, the firm is dedicated to promoting the secure and safe adoption of these technologies across both commercial and government markets. Since inception, over $1.5 billion has been committed across more than 65 investments, taking a multi-stage investment approach to support companies at various growth phases. The institution employs a unique 'dual use' investment strategy that leverages deep industry experience to maximize returns for portfolio companies while recognizing the insights gained from both commercial and government sectors. Substantial value is provided to portfolio companies through facilitating strategic partnerships, customer access, non-dilutive financing options, and talent recruitment. Notable founders Mark A. Maloney and Michael R. Steed lead the firm in its mission to collaborate with top-tier entrepreneurs and management teams, particularly within sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, edtech, fintech, healthcare tech, and robotics.

Paladin Capital Group's Website

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) is a vital agency focused on leading the federal economic development agenda. Its mission is to invest in communities, accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth, and promote American innovation and competitiveness, with a particular emphasis on economically distressed regions. By supporting local innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation, it aims to prepare regions for success in the global economy. One of the key initiatives is the Build to Scale (B2S) program, designed to foster the growth of regional economies by addressing structural barriers to accessing equity capital and promoting cross-sector partnerships that help bring innovations to market. Through its efforts, the organization provides essential support, resources, and funding to eligible communities and organizations, including grants and technical assistance. The agency's impact is reflected in its significant investments that drive local innovation and leverage private investments. It operates in a sector-agnostic manner, fostering advancements across various industries critical for economic development.

US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administation's Website

New Venture Fund (NVF) is a creative problem-solving organization that operates through fiscal sponsorship, providing support to change leaders to accelerate positive impact efficiently. With a charitable portfolio exceeding $356 million across nine global regions, NVF funds projects and initiatives worldwide. Collaborating with philanthropists, change-makers, and disruptors, the organization aims to create a fair, healthy, and sustainable world. While specific domains are not listed, the impact of the organization spans various areas. The exact number of start-ups, investors, and program duration are undisclosed, but the focus on fiscal sponsorship implies diverse project support. Although additional perks for participating start-ups are not detailed, NVF likely offers valuable resources. Notable figures leading NVF include those managing general inquiries via info@newventurefund.org, media inquiries through communications@newventurefund.org, and can be reached at 202-595-1061. While the specific duration and metrics of the accelerator remain unspecified, the commitment of NVF to efficiency and impact showcases a promising experience for start-ups participating in the program.

New Venture Fund's Website

CivStart is a non-profit accelerator with a mission to bridge the gap between innovative startups and state & local governments, focusing on AI applications within the government sector. In partnership with the National League of Cities, the accelerator program lasts 12 months and connects emerging govtech startups with the tools, expertise, and opportunities to scale their solutions effectively for public sector challenges. Participating startups engage with 5-10 governments, receiving feedback and support, leading to a Pitchfest at the State of GovTech event for potential pilot implementations. CivStart offers a Venture Partner Network for investment, partnerships, and guidance, alongside benefits like access to a Local Gov Innovation Hub, market intelligence, strategic networking, tailored mentorships, consulting, and media support. Founded by Anthony Jamison, Nick Lyell, and Sarah Nicoll (Kerner), the organization targets industries like Artificial Intelligence, providing a platform for startups to showcase solutions and receive advisory insights, with a 104-week duration.

Civstart's Website

This pivotal tech and innovation advisory firm connects the private sector with government agencies to drive commercial innovation in the federal market. Its 10-week accelerator program offers tech companies a simpler, faster, and less risky pathway to enter and scale within the federal market, regardless of their public sector sales resources. Over 100 tech companies have leveraged its expertise, resulting in more than 160 federal contracts won by alumni, including over 20 unicorns valued at over $1 billion. The organization has also advised more than 2,000 federal government innovators, facilitating the adoption of commercially-proven technologies across various domains such as cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. The program charges a one-time fee of $1,000, allowing companies to benefit without surrendering equity. Founded by Meagan Metzger and Megan Vorland, it encompasses initiatives like the Startup Accelerator and functions as a venture capital investor, focusing on early to late-stage investments. By bridging the gap between technology and government needs, this institution plays an essential role in fostering innovation and collaboration across sectors.

Dcode's Website

The Women's Business Enterprise National Council is a prominent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that collaborates with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to promote the growth of women-owned businesses across the United States. The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator is a distinguished program that highlights and supports collegiate female founders and recent graduates. The 2024 cohort features 33 emerging entrepreneurs representing 17 universities and colleges nationwide, engaging in a five-day program held in Denver, Colorado, coinciding with the National Conference. The curriculum is designed to cover essential startup growth fundamentals and is enhanced by personalized mentorship from the organization's extensive network, which includes over 19,000 WBENC-Certified Women Business Enterprises and 550+ National Corporate Members. Participants have the opportunity to compete for funding of up to $20,000 during the Collegiate Accelerator Pitch Competition. A notable aspect of the 2024 cohort is that 57% are alumnae of the Women of Color Incubator, which specifically supports female students at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). The accelerator embraces a wide range of industries, fostering a diverse array of entrepreneurial ventures, including technology and healthcare.

Women's Business Enterprise National Council's Website

Halcyon Incubator accelerates the impact-driven future of business by supporting social enterprise founders and their ventures. They provide fellowships, funding vehicles, and thought leadership to foster innovation among social entrepreneurs. The core program is the Residential Fellowship, which lasts for 14 weeks and hosts a diverse, sector-agnostic cohort of fellows at its headquarters in Washington, DC. During their residency, participants receive mentorship and training in investment readiness and business fundamentals, culminating in a final showcase where they present their work. The initiative is spearheaded by Kate Goodall and emphasizes creativity in promoting social good. Dedicated to scaling social impact ventures, the organization nurtures a supportive community for like-minded individuals. Ultimately, it celebrates creativity and empowers entrepreneurs to achieve their social missions.

Halcyon Incubator's Website

Red Cell Partners is an incubation firm founded in 2020, dedicated to building and investing in technology-led companies in the sectors of healthcare, cybersecurity, and national security. The organization operates at the creative intersection of investing and national security, focusing on transformative advancements in critical industries. Since its inception, it has successfully incubated seven companies in 2023, launched ten companies, and achieved a remarkable average incubation period of 17 months. Collectively, these efforts have raised over $355 million across the firm and its incubated companies. The institution employs 47 full-time staff members, under the leadership of Founder, Chairman, and CEO Grant Verstandig, alongside COO David Silverman and practice presidents Naimish Patel, George Barnes, and the Honorable Veronica Daigle. Notable companies that have emerged from their program include Analyst Obsessed and Resilience in the Face of Disruption, among several others focusing on healthcare and national security challenges. This firm is at the forefront of revitalizing essential sectors through innovation and strives to usher in a new era of growth in national security and healthcare.

Red Cell Partners's Website

This pivotal program, offered by George Washington University, empowers students and alumni to transform their startup ideas into successful endeavors. Spanning nine weeks during the summer, the accelerator accommodates up to 20 participants from 10 different ventures, with teams comprising a maximum of four members, at least half of whom are current students or recent alumni. The program features on-campus housing, a stipend for participants, and weekly workshops on crucial topics such as financial projections and product development. Additionally, mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts is provided. Specialized advisers assist teams in their respective domains, covering a diversity of sectors including technology, healthcare, and social impact. Founders Daniel Solove and Jonathan Mark Sackier lead this initiative, creating an ecosystem that nurtures innovation. Moreover, participants benefit from extensive networking opportunities and exposure to potential investors, providing the necessary resources and support to refine business models and scale their ventures effectively.

GW Summer Startup Accelerator's Website

This prominent entrepreneurship initiative within Georgetown University is dedicated to nurturing student-led startups. It fosters an entrepreneurial mindset among students and cultivates a culture of innovation across the university. Essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities are provided, empowering students to transform their ideas into successful ventures. The organization emphasizes healthcare entrepreneurship, organizing workshops, speaker events, and educational activities centered on healthcare innovation. Additionally, there is a professional club that examines the intersection of law and entrepreneurship. Key components of the accelerator include the Georgetown Venture Lab, a co-working space for alumni entrepreneurs, and pitch competitions that allow students to present their ideas to expert panels for potential funding. Support comes from a community-driven Slack group that connects founders, investors, and entrepreneurs. Notable founders associated with the initiative include John Carrol, Newton Howard, and Sonal Shah, underscoring its impactful legacy in various industries such as EdTech and Healthcare Tech.

StartupHoyas's Website

Georgetown Ventures (GV), established in 2017, is a nonprofit startup accelerator operating under the institution. It empowers early-stage entrepreneurs by providing strategic support and resources. The accelerator has successfully incubated over 90 startups, which collectively raised more than $33 million in funding. Over 60 active student consultants contribute their expertise, offering each startup over 150 hours of assistance. Key programs include LaunchPad, a nine-week initiative focusing on the development of minimum viable products and customer discovery, as well as the Venture Accelerator, which supports more advanced startups with tailored deliverables. Through its initiatives, GV emphasizes inclusivity, extending significant opportunities to founders from diverse backgrounds and industries. Startups benefit from unique partnership opportunities valued at $30,000, along with creative and technical support from experienced consultants. Notable founders affiliated with the program include John Carrol, Newton Howard, and Sonal Shah. The organization's commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial culture extends beyond campus, aiming to instill entrepreneurial mindsets among students and support alumni in their growth endeavors.

Georgetown University's Website

2Gether-International is a leading startup accelerator that focuses on empowering founders with disabilities. Established in 2019, its mission revolves around connecting disabled entrepreneurs with necessary resources to foster high-growth, high-impact startups. The institution challenges conventional entrepreneurial narratives by framing disability as a competitive advantage. Through its initiative, it has cultivated the Disability Startup Network, which includes over 500 disabled entrepreneurs, promoting collaboration and innovation within the community. The accelerator provides essential support through expert mentorship, peer networking, and advocacy, emphasizing the creation of a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape. Tailored for technology-based startups, the program encompasses the fields of General Tech and Healthcare Tech. The organization plays a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions around disability in entrepreneurship, ensuring that founders face fewer barriers and have access to a robust support network.

2Gether-International's Website

The Accelerator is dedicated to empowering social entrepreneurs through partnerships with Camelback Ventures and Fast Forward. This initiative aims to leverage cutting-edge wireless technology to create a positive societal impact in American communities. Camelback Ventures focuses on increasing access to opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs, particularly women and entrepreneurs of color. Their programs, such as the Camelback Fellowship, provide essential resources like coaching, capital, connections, and a focused community. The Camelback Guardian Summit, scheduled for 2024, will gather leaders in technology and philanthropy to explore inclusive AI use. In parallel, Fast Forward mobilizes resources for tech nonprofits, having significantly impacted 186 million lives and raised over $753 million in follow-on funding since its inception a decade ago. They connect nonprofits with seed funding, mentorship, and peer networks to drive scalable solutions. This initiative plays a crucial role in advancing mobile-first solutions across various industries, including artificial intelligence, edtech, and mobile applications, thereby driving meaningful change in society.

Wireless Foundation's Website

This prominent organization is dedicated to accelerating the smart city movement by guiding communities towards a connected future, fostering private sector growth, and advancing crucial technology research integral to development. They specialize in various domains, including smart cities data, advanced wireless research platforms, and smart technology adoption for military installations. One of their significant initiatives, Project OVERCOME, aims to address basic Internet access needs for at least 17 million U.S. residents. Collaboration with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center has led to innovative projects such as the Fort Carson Artificial Intelligence for Traffic and Weather and the Fort Moore Smart Sensor Network. Led by founders Glenn Ricart and Joe Kochan, the team offers extensive technical assistance and capacity-building services to communities while identifying federal funding opportunities for broadband initiatives. Their efforts are evident in the support provided to startups and small businesses, positioning the institution as an innovation engine within the smart city ecosystem. Through public-private partnerships with communities, universities, and industry partners, it continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology-driven urban development.

US Ignite's Website

A selective training program dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs involved in land restoration enhances agricultural yields, creates jobs, and combats climate change by revitalizing degraded land. This initiative connects restoration enterprises to mentorship, networking, and technical training, equipping them with essential business skills such as storytelling, pitching, and impact measurement. Operating across Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, the organization aligns with the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), which aims to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030. In Africa, the program includes two main tracks: a continental program for 100 selected companies and a focused effort on vital landscapes such as Kenyas Greater Rift Valley and the Ghana Cocoa Belt, involving an additional 260 businesses. Since its inception in 2018, it has received nearly 3,400 applications from 45 countries. Alumni of the program have created over 9,000 jobs, worked with 250,000 farmers, and restored 201,000 hectares of land. By providing the necessary resources and support, the accelerator empowers entrepreneurs to secure investment and scale their businesses in the environmental and agricultural sectors.

Land Accelerator's Website

This innovative organization focuses on addressing critical conservation challenges through technology and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its mission is to prevent the impending sixth mass extinction driven by human actions, employing unique strategies that diverge from traditional methods. By leveraging technology, innovation, and market dynamics, they confront global environmental problems. Specializing in various areas such as biodiversity, climate change, and invasive species, they have successfully reversed alarming trends in species loss. Notably, the institution launched Oceans X Labs, the world's first conservation accelerator dedicated to tackling aquaculture sustainability challenges. Promoting open innovation through challenges and prizes, it attracts new skill sets and disciplines to environmental issues. The organization fosters collaboration among conservation entrepreneurs and volunteers, leading to significant investments for start-ups in its aquaculture-focused cohort. Founded by Alex Dehgan and Paul Bunje, the entity operates at the intersection of Agriculture Tech and Environmental Tech, positioning itself as a leader in conservation innovation and a formidable force in the battle against environmental decline.

Conservation X Labs's Website

MassLight is a startup accelerator founded by Daniel Abrams. It offers participating startups seed funding, training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a demo day for pitching to investors. The accelerator provides an average equity deal of around $38,000 in exchange for a percentage of the startups' equity. The program acts as a short-term growth initiative, serving as a market-readiness and investment-development boot camp for startups in various industries. Participating startups benefit from unique training opportunities, formal mentoring programs with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals, as well as networking with other innovators. At the end of the accelerator, there is a pitch day where each team can showcase their startup to potential investors, creating pathways for future partnerships and funding opportunities. Startups interested in the accelerator can apply for the Build-for-Equity program, which provides capital and a dedicated tech team from MassLight.

MassLight's Website

The world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, connects individuals, businesses, and nonprofit volunteer organizations to foster a global culture of civic engagement, inspiring people-powered change in communities worldwide. Its mission focuses on building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for all. The Global Network encompasses innovative volunteer-mobilizing and community service organizations across 39 countries, engaging 16.7 million hours of volunteer service annually, valued at $499 million. A key component of this institution is the Civic Accelerator, which invests in startups aiming for social impact, including notable companies like Cell-Ed and STEM NOLA that focus on bridging the digital divide and enhancing digital talent pipelines. The accelerator offers funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to selected startups, empowering them to scale their impact. Co-founded by George H. W. Bush and Marian L. Heard, it reflects a long-standing commitment to volunteerism and civic responsibility.

Points of Light Institute's Website

PeaceTech Lab is an influential organization committed to reducing violent conflict through technology, media, and data-driven solutions. Its key program, the PeaceTech Accelerator, aims to scale startups focused on innovative technologies for managing, mitigating, predicting, or preventing conflict while promoting sustainable peace. This accelerator operates under a partnership that includes C5, SAP NS2, and Amazon Web Services, and is based at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C. It provides selected startups with an eight-week program, emphasizing mentorship and training to enhance scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Startups are chosen for their potential to develop solutions in critical areas such as misinformation, hate speech, and the broader field of peacetech. The program plays a vital role in addressing complex challenges across sectors and connects technology experts with conflict management specialists to foster impactful innovations. Through these initiatives, the institution strives to create a positive impact in communities affected by violent conflict and equips entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to effect change.

Peace Tech Lab.'s Website

The U.S.-Russia Foundation, also known as USRF, is an organization dedicated to strengthening relations between the United States and the Russian Federation. Established as the legacy organization of the U.S. Russia Investment Fund, founded under the Support for Eastern European Democracy Act of 1989 and the Freedom Support Act of 1992, its mission is to promote free enterprise, support democracy, and enhance ties between the two countries. USRF focuses on grant programs such as Outreach, Education, and Training in International and Domestic Law to improve legal expertise in Russia and Educational Exchanges for professional development and networking opportunities for Russian attorneys. Its specialization lies in legal capacity-building, governance, and citizen rights, fostering a robust legal framework in Russia. Although not a traditional accelerator, the organization provides valuable benefits including insights into the Russian legal systems, networking opportunities, and educational exchanges to facilitate knowledge transfer and collaboration. Industries related to USRF include Edtech.

The US Russia Foundation's Website

1863 Ventures, a Black-led national business development nonprofit accelerator and venture capital fund, is dedicated to empowering New Majority Founders, including Black and Latino individuals, who have historically been underestimated. With a mission to generate $100 billion of new wealth for the New Majority, they support over 3,200 entrepreneurs nationwide, offering resources like capital investments, curated curricula, grant funding, and partnerships. The accelerator assists marginalized entrepreneurs in transitioning from high potential to high growth stages, with programs tailored for various entrepreneurial phases. While their specialization domains are broad, focusing on New Majority Founders implies support across diverse industries. Through strategic partnerships, 1863 Ventures ensures timely resource provision and prioritizes an outcomes-driven business strategy approach. Noteworthy is their commitment to early stage companies by offering alternatives to predatory financing options, targeting those who lack a 'friends and family' round. The organization's impact transcends mere financial metrics, aiming to cultivate sustainable businesses and wealth for underrepresented entrepreneurs.

1863 Ventures's Website

This global network is committed to accelerating the success of women entrepreneurs in technology and life sciences. Its mission is to provide essential resources and access to a powerful community of advisors, investors, and industry leaders, ensuring women-led companies have equal opportunities for funding and growth. The accelerator boasts an impressive portfolio, having supported over 920 companies that collectively raised significant capital, with approximately 90% successfully going public and achieving a total value creation of $39.1 billion, including 10 unicorns. It offers specialized innovation programs tailored to various sectors: the Life Sciences Innovation Program, Digital Health Innovation Program, Retail Tech Innovation Program, and Womens Health Innovation Program. Each program aims to connect companies with strategic partners and industry experts. Participants benefit from personal advisory teams, Dolphin Tank pitch events that provide actionable insights, and a growing global presence, including support for early-stage women-led technology companies in Australia. This initiative is making a profound impact by empowering women-led ventures across multiple domains, such as fashion and apparel, general tech, and healthcare tech, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth.

Springboard Enterprises's Website

TechEmerge is an award-winning accelerator program from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that accelerates the adoption of innovation in emerging markets. Its primary objective is to match innovators worldwide with leading companies within these regions, focusing on health, resilience, and sustainable cooling sectors. The program operates through a comprehensive six-step process: assess, source, select, match, pilot, and scale. Since its inception, over 300 innovators have been matched with more than 135 adopters, resulting in the funding of over 125 pilot projects and offering over $8.5 million for field testing. Notably, innovators raised over $300 million, with the funds attributed to two finalized health initiatives. TechEmerge has successfully deployed solutions such as Butterfly Network's Butterfly iQ, a portable ultrasound system aimed at improving access to ultrasound services, and a seismic AI early warning system for earthquake alerts. By bridging the gap between innovators and companies in emerging markets, the organization fosters impactful solutions in industries like Environmental Tech, Healthcare Tech, and Renewable Energy.

Techmerge's Website

The organization is a membership group comprised of Fortune 500 corporations dedicated to discovering, developing, and funding transformative startups. It sources innovative ventures from universities, angel groups, and state funding organizations to ensure alignment with corporate business needs. One of its prominent initiatives is the Hyundai 2022 Zer01ne Accelerator, featuring projects across seven technology themes, including auto tech, in-car user experience, and smart logistics. This program not only fosters collaboration between startups and major automotive brands but also offers the potential for successful innovations to be integrated into their vehicles. Additionally, the institution conducts open innovation challenges in partnership with companies like Hyundai Cradle and No7 Beauty Company, seeking cutting-edge solutions in fields such as cybersecurity and advanced skin treatments. Through services like virtual startup pitches and corporate memberships, they connect promising early-stage companies with corporate partners, driving significant technological advancements across various industries, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and logistics. This accelerator exemplifies a key role in enhancing tech transfer by linking startups with major industry players, ultimately contributing to innovation and growth in multiple sectors.

National Council of Entrepreneurial Tech Transfer's Website

Last updated date 4/5/2024

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