Accelerate

The Accelerate Program

Ready to hit the gas on your startup?

Accelerate is OSU’s premier nine-week program for researchers, students, staff, and community members who are ready to build a high-growth entrepreneurial venture. This stage focuses on developing a minimum viable product and using customer discovery to validate product-market fit.

Through expert mentorship, hands-on sessions, and real-world engagement, participants refine their business model, test market demand, and prepare to take their venture to the next level. The program runs three times a year and is designed for those serious about launching and scaling their innovation.

Upon completing the program, participants receive a digital badge recognizing their achievement. This credential can be showcased on personal websites, LinkedIn, and other professional platforms to highlight their entrepreneurial skills and commitment to innovation.

A speedometer with the needle pointing to "Accelerate," symbolizing rapid growth and momentum.
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Spring 2025 Cohort

 APPLICATIONS OPEN: February 1, 2025

 DATES: April 8 – June 3, 2025

 TIME: Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. (In-Person & Online)

Fall 2025 Cohort

 APPLICATIONS OPEN: August 1, 2025

 DATES: September 30 – December 2, 2025

 TIME: Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. (In-Person & Online)

Winter 2026 Cohort

 APPLICATIONS OPEN: November 1, 2025

 DATES: January 20 – March 17, 2026

 TIME: Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m. (In-Person & Online)

 

Submit an Interest Form

What You'll Learn

  Week 1: Introduction & mindset shift

  Week 2: Identifying the problem

  Week 3: Customer discovery

  Week 4: Building a minimal viable product (MVP)

  Week 5: Business model & revenue

  Week 6: Market strategy & branding

  Week 7: Financials & funding options

  Week 8: Pitching & investor communication

  Week 9: Positioning for Growth & Next-Stage Programs

Eligibility Requirements

  • Intent to establish a privately held, for-profit organization.
  • Amenable to advice from staff and mentors.
  • Apparent growth prospects as an innovative traded sector entity.
  • Comply with all responsibilities and duties as outlined in the client agreement/participant agreement and exhibits.
  • Intent to drive economic growth and create jobs.

Program Outcomes

  • Qualify for the NSF I-Corps program upon completion, opening the door to additional funding and opportunities.
  • Develop a process for finding and interviewing your target customers.
  • Define your minimal viable product.
  • Validate your product-market fit.
  • Develop a repeatable sales model.
  • Identify team needs and build accordingly.
  • Gain structured support, including one-on-one mentoring, access to industry connections, and hands-on feedback from experienced entrepreneurs.

Community Team Fees

Accelerate participants who are not affiliated with OSU may be subject to program fees. Our structure includes:

  • Equity: 1% equity stake in your startup.
  • Royalty: 2.5% of sales, payable once annual revenue reaches $200,000. Lifetime cap on payments is $100,000.

How to Apply

Contact us for questions about upcoming sessions and application openings.

Contact Our Team

Learn More About the Accelerate Program

  Graduation Portfolio: Your Achievements & Market-Ready Assets

You will complete the following milestones:

  1. Product Market Validation.

  2. Elevator Pitch.

  3. Five-minute Pitch Deck.

  4. Next product and market development steps identified.

  5. 25+ customer discovery interviews conducted.

  6. Digital badge to showcase your achievement.

Watch this video to learn how the Advantage Accelerator's Accelerate Program helps startups refine their business models and prepare for market success.