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Rev Ithaca Startup Works Opens Applications for 2026 Prototyping Hardware Accelerator

The Rev Ithaca Startup Works has officially launched the application process for their 2026 Prototyping Hardware Accelerator. This engaging summer program is designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the entire development process of physical products, ensuring they are not only commercially viable but also feasible from a technological and economic standpoint.

Participants are provided with up to $2,000 in funding to assist in the development of their prototypes. Moreover, they gain access to a state-of-the-art prototyping lab that has been specifically designed for this purpose. The accelerator features a comprehensive 10-week curriculum that takes teams from the ideation phase straight through to producing a proof-of-concept prototype and developing an effective pitch.

One of the highlights of the program is the Networking@Rev Prototyping Demo Day, where participants will exhibit their innovations to potential investors and community stakeholders. Here, they will demonstrate their understanding of customers’ needs, articulate their business strategies, and convey their genuine enthusiasm for their startups.

Deanna Kocher, the Associate Director of Hardware Programs at Rev, shared her insights on the accelerator's impact: "Each year, the Prototyping Hardware Accelerator continually reinforces how crucial it is to find solutions that require tangible responses. Witnessing a concept evolve from a mere sketch on paper to an actual product is an incredibly fulfilling experience. Additionally, seeing a person transform from having an idea to becoming an entrepreneur is quite fulfilling."

Since its inception in 2014, the Prototyping Hardware Accelerator has been instrumental in nurturing hardware startups. The program offers four specialized tracks: Classic, ClimateTech, AgTech, and MedTech. The Classic track welcomes entrepreneurs from any sector and provides essential entrepreneurship training. The ClimateTech track pairs startups with a supportive cohort and connects them with mentors in the clean energy sphere. Meanwhile, AgTech focuses on the agriculture technology industry, providing specialized knowledge and networking opportunities relevant to that field.

The MedTech track, in partnership with Cornell Biomedical Engineering and Weill Cornell, specifically supports innovators working on medical devices, granting them access to specialized prototyping tools and crucial regulatory resources. The program is open to anyone with a physical product concept, regardless of their location in Ithaca, New York. Importantly, software-only projects are not eligible unless they are integrated with a physical component, and participants do not need to have legally established LLCs to apply.

Throughout the course, participants will benefit from mentorship opportunities with seasoned entrepreneurs as well as technical assistance from the engineering team at Rev. They will engage in practical workshops, familiarize themselves with prototyping equipment, and undergo product and pitch evaluations as a cohort, enhancing their preparedness for future endeavors.

By the end of the program, graduates will find themselves well-equipped to attract team members, establish partnerships, navigate conversations with contract manufacturers, and engage potential investors successfully.

Applications for the upcoming 2026 cohort are reviewed on a rolling basis, which means interested entrepreneurs should act quickly. For additional information and application submission, individuals can visit the Prototyping Hardware Accelerator homepage.

If you're uncertain about whether the accelerator aligns with your goals, you can attend an information session scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, from 6 to 7 PM EST, where program leaders will provide further insight and answer any inquiries.

About Rev Ithaca Startup Works

Rev Ithaca Startup Works is a business incubator associated with Cornell Research and Innovation, committed to fostering startup development through mentorship, resources, and targeted programming within the Ithaca region.