Discover Connecticut's best accelerators for your start-up
Choose an accelerator/incubator that provides your start-up with the right guidance to scale with confidence.
Choosing The Right Accelerator
Start-ups are hard. Choose an accelerator that guides you in the right direction.
"I doubt that Stripe would have worked without YC. It's that simple."
Patrick Collison, Founder, Stripe
"Accelerators claim they are in it for the long haul — I call bullshit"
Chris Lynch, Founder, Atlas Venture
"The network we built with Techstars was incredibly valuable during and after the program."
Raj Aggarwal, Founder, Localytics
What truly matters
Two-way communication > Interview
Accelerator’s brand power
Do they know why they succeeded in the past?
Domain expertise > Funding amount
Discover your perfect match
No accelerator or incubator is perfect for every start-up. Your business’s context and constraints matter. Identify your perfect match by answering this short questionnaire.
Connecticut's Top Accelerators By Neighborhoods
Comparing Accelerators
This page covers the top accelerators and incubators in Connecticut.
However if geography isn’t a hard constraint, and you are only looking for the best incubators and accelerators across the US, check here.
Brief Overview Of Different Accelerators
1) STANLEY +Techstars AI in Advanced Manufacturing
STANLEY +Techstars AI in Advanced Manufacturing is a collaborative program between Stanley Black & Decker and Techstars. They focus on fostering innovation in advanced manufacturing, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). The accelerator selected ten startups for the 2021 cohort, representing locations across the United States and globally. These startups collaborate with Stanley Black & Decker to impact Industry 4.0, aligning with the program's three categories: Intelligent Factory as a Service. Notable startups in this category include Eduro.ai, MODICA Microindustries, and Slytek. The program is led by key people like Brad Feld, Chisa Egbelu, Daniel Mason, David Brown, David Cohen, and Jared Polis. It kicked off in January and concluded with demo and investor days in late April, lasting for 12 weeks. The accelerator provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to drive innovation, with an extended pool of mentors compensating for the lack of in-person interactions in the virtual 2021 program, ensuring safety during the pandemic. Industries supported include Artificial Intelligence and Fintech.
2) Yale Office of Cooperative Research
The Yale Office of Cooperative Research is an initiative of Yale University that bridges academic research and commercial ventures, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship. Its primary mission is to translate academic research into impactful products and services that address significant societal challenges. This office supports a diverse spectrum of start-ups, actively incubating early-stage technology companies across various domains including artificial intelligence, edtech, general tech, and healthcare tech. The accelerator facilitates technology transfer and commercialization, aiding in the protection and licensing of developed intellectual property. Additionally, the program promotes a vibrant innovation ecosystem by providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to innovation centers. It also hosts events like the Yale Innovation Summit and the Yale I-Corps Customer Discovery program. Founders such as Abraham Pierson and Timothy Woodbridge have significantly contributed to the legacy, which continues to cultivate innovators from multiple fields including medicine, engineering, and social sciences. This initiative plays a critical role in fostering entrepreneurial research and ensuring that innovations not only develop but also reach the market effectively.
3) University of Connecticut Technology Incubation Program
The University of Connecticut Technology Incubation Program (TIP) is a dynamic initiative supporting high-tech startups and spin-offs since 2003. It aims to launch market-transforming startups by leveraging UConn's research resources, facilities, and business support services combined with a network of investors and entrepreneurs. With 35,500 square feet of office and lab space available across multiple UConn campuses, startups benefit from instrumentation, research services, and collaboration with scientific experts. TIP-associated startups have collectively raised $1.1 billion in funding, with $183 million secured in the 2022 Fiscal Year. The program's specialization spans high-tech and data science startups, with a recent expansion to Stamford for data science startups. Founded by Faquir Jain, TIP offers a collaborative environment, access to UConn's talent pool, and world-class R&D capacity, making it a crucial player in Connecticut's entrepreneurial ecosystem catering to industries such as Edtech and General Tech.
4) Accelerate UConn
Accelerate UConn, affiliated with the University of Connecticut, operates as the institution's National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program. The accelerator aims to catalyze entrepreneurial teams with technology concepts suitable for commercialization, assisting in the transition of ideas, devices, and scientific discoveries into the market. The main program, Propelus, provides hands-on training in venture creation, offering personalized coaching, and focusing on evidence-based business models and market strategies. Themes such as Quantum/Photonics are featured in specific programs. Alumni include- SignAssist, InfinEnergie. Funded start-ups associated with Accelerate UConn receive financial support. Specializing in various technology domains, the organization supports interdisciplinary innovations. Founded by Faquir Jain, the accelerator offers benefits including training in Business Model Canvas and Customer Discovery, individualized coaching, networking with industry experts, and up to $3,000 in funding for product development.
5) UConn TIP
UConn Technology Incubation Program (TIP) operates under the University of Connecticut's Office of the Vice President for Research. The program fosters breakthrough research and cutting-edge innovation by supporting over 45 startups dedicated to developing and commercializing new technologies in various domains. These startups have collectively raised an impressive $1.1 billion in funding since 2003, with $183 million secured in 2022 alone. UConn TIP offers access to 35,500 sq ft of office and lab space, creating a collaborative entrepreneurial environment that leverages the institution's research resources for R&D operations. Focused on Edtech and General Tech industries, the program connects startups with experienced investors to facilitate connections and provide ongoing support. Notable founder Faquir Jain has played a key role in the program's success, which has proven pivotal in launching startups and driving innovation across the board.
6) CTNext
CTNext is a public-private partnership that fosters an agile, open, and networked entrepreneurship community in Connecticut. An offshoot of Connecticut Innovations, the organization founded the Accelerator for Biosciences in Connecticut (ABCT) in 2017 in Branford. The six-month program targets healthcare innovation, accepting two cohorts with 12 ventures each. The startups undergo rigorous entrepreneurship education, personalized mentorship, and networking to enhance team strength and fundability. Specializing in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and more, ABCT drives economic growth by supporting bioscience ventures. The program's success is evidenced by the sister program, ELabNYC, which graduated 116 ventures in New York City, with 72% securing funding and 25% starting second businesses. ELabNYC's graduates have filed 150 patents, creating 210 new jobs and earning $16.8 million in annual wages. While specific perks are not detailed, ABCT likely provides mentorship, access to experts, and networking opportunities for startups in Connecticut.
7) Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) is a renowned applied technology demonstration and training center. It is focused on driving innovation in advanced manufacturing, applied technologies, and energy solutions. The organization offers workforce training and education to empower individuals with cutting-edge skills. Recently, CCAT launched the Talent & Training (TnT) Accelerator, housing the Digital Thread Lab (DTL) in partnership with the Department of Defenses Office of Industrial Base Policy. The TnT Accelerator aims to equip manufacturers with hands-on technical training to optimize data-driven digital capabilities, enhancing production efficiency and responsiveness to commercial and Department of Defense needs. Prominent partners include- Microsoft, ABB, Navy and more. CCAT collaborates with key industry players to expedite the introduction of innovative products to the market, fostering engineering and manufacturing advancement. The organization's commitment to technology-driven solutions cements its position as a crucial facilitator of industry growth and progressive innovation.
8) 4Catalyzer
4Catalyzer is a startup accelerator that operates at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and artificial intelligence. Its mission is to transform medical technologies and life science tools into affordable and accessible solutions for everyone globally. The organization focuses on incubating and accelerating startups in healthcare technology, life science tools, and AI companies, providing ongoing support, mentorship, resources, and financial backing to foster their success. Notable companies under its portfolio include Butterfly Network, known for its portable ultrasound device; Quantum-Si, specializing in next-generation protein sequencing; and Hyperfine, which developed the world's first point-of-care MRI machine. Other associated startups include Tesseract Health, Liminal Sciences, Detect, AI Therapeutics, and Protein Evolution. Established by Jonathan M Rothberg, this startup accelerator is dedicated to maximizing societal impact, driving innovation, and enabling advancements in medical technology and accessibility through its curated selection of startups.
9) FirstXFounder
FirstXFounder is an accelerator program designed to support first-time founders in the life sciences sector. It offers personalized entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and resources. The accelerator operates in the Metro New York area, with programs such as ABCT, a six-month initiative in Connecticut focusing on healthcare innovation, and the Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator in New York. ELabNYC, established in 2012, has 155 venture alumni covering various life sciences domains and offering Master Classes for program graduates. Ventures from ELabNYC have raised over $800 million since 2013. The Next Milestone program, initiated by SUNY Downstate, supports small founder-led teams in achieving key milestones, resulting in 191 jobs and $1.3 billion. Participants in FirstXFounder receive guidance from experienced coaches and mentors, with the curriculum provided by the expert entrepreneurial advisory firm. With a focus on innovation and community growth, the organization plays a crucial role in nurturing emerging startups in the biosciences sector. Notable alumni include- Kriash, Esophadex; along with partners like Pfizer and Atostek
10) Innovation to Impact
The Innovation to Impact Accelerator is an initiative by Apple aimed at advancing environmental innovation as part of the Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, striving to provide equity and opportunity for Black and Brown communities. This program supports 12 Black-, Hispanic/Latinx-, and Indigenous-owned businesses specializing in environmental solutions and green technology. The third cohort includes COI Energy, Elite Energy Distribution, SEEL, GridChain, eSmart Recycling, TSP Solutions, Compactor Management Company, Green Earth Sustainable Solution, RIFE International, Superior Innovative Solutions, Alard Engineering, and Ares Materials. Their work aligns with Apple's environmental priorities: climate change, resource management, and smarter chemistry. Participants engage in a 12-week program featuring targeted training, executive coaching, skills development, one-on-one mentorship, and insights from Apple experts. Following graduation, alumni benefit from ongoing support, networking opportunities, and potential business engagements with Apple, particularly as the organization pursues carbon neutrality across its entire manufacturing supply chain by 2030. The accelerator not only showcases Apple's commitment to environmental sustainability but also plays a crucial role in empowering diverse businesses to drive positive change in their communities.
11) The Refinery CT
An influential early-stage accelerator, dedicated to supporting innovative women-led ventures in becoming scalable and investable businesses, was founded by Janis Collins and Jennifer Gabler. The program has mentored 39 companies through a network of over 90 subject expert mentors, leading to more than $80 million raised in funding. Additionally, it has awarded over $260,000 in non-dilutive grants and discovered over 250 women-led tech companies through unique pitch competitions. The mission of this organization has evolved to enhance the sustainability, diversity, and impact of not only women-led tech companies but also other entrepreneur support organizations. It provides mentorship, entrepreneurship education, and advisory services, facilitating significant growth in the tech sector. The Winter Boost program offers participants weekly hands-on webinars and workshops led by experts, covering critical topics such as Sales & Marketing, Leadership, and Raising Capital. This 12-week program focuses on building extensive connections with more than 80 mentors, advisors, and investors, underscoring a strong commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among women-led ventures.
Top Reasons Start-ups Participate In Accelerators
Holistic growth
Marketing, Sales, Tech, Ops, HR, Finance, Admin...... you can’t go wrong in any one field.
Peer learning
There’s not enough time in the world to learn from one’s own mistakes. Peer learning helps.
Rapid learning curve
There’s a reason accelerators are called accelerators. It’s a fast ride.
Critical Industry connections
A good connection at an FMCG/AI giant can help you 10x more than connecting with 100 retailers.
Why an accelerator might not be right for you
It's usually helpful to consider potential pitfalls. Some common misconceptions
It isn't about the exits
Accelerators and investors care much more about getting a return rather than building a business. However that's not a luxury founders can afford.
What's the real value of your equity
There's a math behind how accelerators decide whether your start-up is worth investing. Did you run the calculation for diluting your equity?
Correlation isn't causation
What worked for Airbnb might not work for you. If the accelerator playbook was 100% full-proof, they would have been running a start-up and not an accelerator. After all, everyone's chasing a unicorn.
FAQs About Start-up Accelerators
Author Bio
Michael Li
For the last 10+ years Michael has helped start-ups of all scales and sizes succeed. A 2X entrepreneur, he is now working on Aerial to help founders avoid costly mistakes. He regularly writes for publications like the Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, Harvard Business Review and others.
Last updated date 5/31/2024
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Accelerators and Incubators in connecticut
Looking for the best accelerators in Connecticut? Here are some top reasons to choose an accelerator in the state - access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to help your startup grow. Connecticut boasts a vibrant start-up culture with a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Consider factors such as the accelerator's track record, industry focus, and the support they offer to their portfolio companies when selecting the right accelerator for your start-up. Some notable start-ups from Connecticut that have seen success include Priceline, CaroGen Corporation, and FuelCell Energy. These companies have thrived in the state's supportive start-up ecosystem, showcasing the potential for growth and success for start-ups in Connecticut's accelerators.
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