Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator
An eight-month, cohort-based program supporting startups ready to take their prototypes into production
The tools and knowledge required to identify a customer need and create a working prototype are different from the process of designing and creating a reproducible product and working with manufacturers to scale production at the required quality while keeping costs reasonable.
The Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator, offered by Rev: Ithaca Startup Works in partnership with Cornell Engineering, is a cohort-based program that supports hardware startups ready to bring their prototypes into production.
Participating entrepreneurs benefit from programming, significant manufacturing expertise and advice, business mentorship, access to local manufacturers, and introductions to investors to enable them to advance from the prototype stage into production and bring their products to market.
Program Tracks
- Classic: Open to innovators in any field since 2014, this track provides foundational entrepreneurship training across industries.
- Ag Tech: Innovators developing product ideas in agriculture technology areas such as farming operations, animal husbandry, and food processing are placed in a like-minded cohort and provided with specialized entrepreneurship training, workshops, and mentorship and are connected to experts and potential partners in the region’s robust agrifood ecosystem. This track is supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center Program.
- Climate Tech: Innovators developing product ideas that support the decarbonization of the economy are placed in a like-minded cohort and provided with entrepreneurship training, workshops, guest speakers, and mentorship tailored to the clean tech / climate tech ecosystem. Climate Tech participants are eligible for up to $10K in financial support. This track is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
- Med Tech: Innovators developing medical devices have access to specialized prototyping equipment, regulatory resources, and research and medical professionals in the region.
Who Should Apply?
The manufacturing hardware accelerator is designed for startups based anywhere in the U.S. that have already developed a fully functional prototype and identified its customer market. Hardware and physical product startups with innovations geared towards businesses or consumers that include electronics, plastics, enclosures, mechanisms, and or machines are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates have:
- Legal entity company with the rights to the intellectual property behind their design
- Dedicated full-time team (prefer at least two people, but one person can qualify)
- Validated business model, including technical feasibility and business viability
- Identified market size and customer problem
- Viable, working prototype that meets customers’ needs
- Funding plan to make initial prototypes
