Launching in the summer of 2024, the Protofacturing Accelerator supports physical product startups who have developed a proof of concept prototype and are preparing for initial manufacturing runs. Program participants will refine their initial prototypes to create engineering prototypes – a cleaned up iteration that has achieved “design freeze”. Throughout the duration of the program, participants will engage in customer discovery and continue to secure funding for the upfront manufacturing costs of physical products.The program curriculum and support will be delivered virtually; participants do not need to be in Ithaca to participate.

Program Tracks

The Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator offers three unique program tracks:

• Classic: Open to innovators in any field, this track provides foundational entrepreneurship training across industries.
• ClimateTech: ClimateTech startups are placed with a like-minded cohort, matched with a clean energy mentor, and benefit from guest speakers working in the field.
• AgTech: Agriculture technology startups will benefit from specialized training and connections with experts and potential partners working in the agriculture industry.
• MedTech:Medical device startups receive mentorship and networking connections with experts working in the medical field.

Who Should Apply?

The Rev Protofacturing Accelerator is open to anyone with a proof-of-concept prototype looking to refine their design to an engineering prototype and begin discussions with manufacturers. Teams do not need to have legally formed an entity but should have plans to do so during the accelerator. To be admitted, teams must have an initial prototype developed that proves the feasibility of their concept, and have conducted customer discovery. Both students and professionals are welcome to join the accelerator; there are no location requirements as all content is delivered virtually. Note: Digital platforms, applications, and other software programs are not eligible unless paired with a physical product that you intend to develop in our program.