About Accelerate
Accelerate is a new program initiative from VentureLab. This program aims to foster and accelerate the impact of Georgia Tech's R&D on economic development, industry, and society. Designed specifically for faculty, Accelerate helps align their research and development efforts for rapid and effective commercialization of deep tech, without disrupting their ongoing academic and career pursuits.
Over a six-week period, faculty participants will be introduced to pragmatic concepts inspired by early experimental work at the Center for Distributed Energy (Georgia Tech). Utilizing a framework and methodology of iterative “whiteboarding,” this approach has been successfully used to commercialize innovations. Mentors will demonstrate how the fundamentals of ‘Innovation-by-Design’ can be applied to maintain tight alignment with market needs, allowing participants to publish peer-reviewed journal papers while leveraging non-dilutive grant dollars to de-risk potential commercial startups. After the program, faculty will continue to receive coaching and commercialization support from campus resource centers, including Venture Lab and Quadrant-I, where experienced technical coaches and principals will guide their ventures to market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? We have the answers! Review these most commonly-asked questions for Georgia Tech research faculty interested in applying to Accelerate.
Applying for the Program
Applications for the Accelerate program open on August 1st. Interested faculty members are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot. Future application deadlines will be announced soon, so please check back for updates. To apply, click here.
Contact Us
For any additional information, please contact Nakia Melecio, VentureLab Principal & Director of NSF I-Corps Southeast Region Hub.