Accelerator
2020 applications open!
About the Accelerator
Our Student Accelerator helps CUNY students go from the prototype stage to the launch of their startup. If you do not have a prototype yet, please check out our Ideas 2 Impact program.
Once per year 13 startups are selected to participate in a 10-week program focused on making the students’ ideas a reality.
This program consists of both learning and doing. 3hrs per week in classroom lectures and exercises and 3hrs per week working with their team members and mentors.
Have a question, please review our FAQs below.
Philosophy
Our goal is to create an environment where you can focus exclusively on developing your idea, building a prototype and talking to customers. We accomplish this through education, mentoring, networks and projects. The education has been developed by world class educators, the mentors are successful entrepreneurs and/or investors, you plug into a great network that we engage with, and you work on immersive projects that change the way you think
What We Do
Our team consists of entrepreneurs, mentors, tech partners and professors, who are dedicated to helping students transform ideas into reality through workshops and direct mentoring. We work with 40 students across the City University of New York on forming teams, refining ideas, and testing ideas in the marketplace. Students develop prototypes and a business plans over the course of 10-weeks and then pitch their ideas to the public to gather feedback and prepare for the next stage.
Who Should Apply
We welcome students from any discipline and from any college at CUNY. You need is a desire and commitment to immerse yourself in the entrepreneurial process.
Schedule
February 19 – May 8
Sessions are every Wednesday & Friday 10AM-1PM
Who We're Looking for & Requirements
Teams of 2-5 co-founders.
The best teams have co-founders with multiple talents: design, development, business, marketing, etc.
You must have a built-out pilot/prototype that is ready to prepare for launch.
You must have a minimum of two people on your team
At least one person on your team must be a CUNY student or recent graduate (within 1 year)
The team must attend Wednesday & Friday sessions 10AM-1PM
FAQ
Does CUNY take any equity in my startup?
No, we do not ask for equity.
How much does it cost to participate in this program?
Nothing. It’s 100% FREE.
Can I have a non-CUNY student on my team?
Yes! As long as there is at least one CUNY student on your team you are eligible to participate in the program.
Is the Accelerator limited to certain types of startups?
No, the Accelerator doesn’t have any sector limitations. Both early and more developed prototypes are welcome in any industry sector.
Will I have mentors?
We have a team of mentors who will work with you every Friday.
Do I get course credit?
No. We are not an academic program. It’s a hands-on venture building program.