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Rev: Ithaca Startup Works Launches 2026 Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator

Ithaca, NY - The Rev: Ithaca Startup Works has opened the application process for its highly anticipated 2026 Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator. This year-long program aims to support startups in transitioning their innovative prototypes into mass production. Developed in collaboration with Cornell Engineering, participants will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum tailored to address the challenges of hardware development.

Program Details

To qualify for this accelerator, teams must present a fully functional prototype and a clear target market for their product. The program is accessible to both students and professionals, with no geographical restrictions since the curriculum is delivered virtually three times a month. A highlight of the program is a week-long in-person session in Ithaca, NY, scheduled for May, where participants will engage in immersive experiences and manufacturing facility tours.

Specialized Tracks for Startups

The Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator offers four distinct tracks designed to provide specialized support to startups:

• - The Classic Track: This foundational program is open to innovators from any industry, offering essential training components.
• - The ClimateTech Track: Startups focused on climate technology will be paired with mentors from the clean energy sector and gain insights from guest speakers already active in the field.
• - The AgTech Track: Agricultural technology startups will receive tailored training and connect with industry experts and potential partners.
• - The MedTech Track: This track is dedicated to medical device startups, providing mentorship and industry connections that can be pivotal as they develop their products.

Empowering Entrepreneurs

Participant testimonials highlight the value of the program in enhancing technical and entrepreneurial skills. Hilario Castillo, RN, and founder of Port Align shared, "This program has empowered me with a knowledge base on the technical side that I never had before. It sets this program apart by not only helping advance the product but empowering you as a founder." This sentiment reflects the broader mission of the accelerator: to turn innovative ideas into successful market-ready products, while also enriching the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Economic Impact

The Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator has far-reaching implications. Alumni from the Rev Ithaca Startup Works hardware programs collectively raised over $25 million in venture capital, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in propelling entrepreneurs toward financial success. Notably, 40% of program participants are also engaged in additional entrepreneurial initiatives throughout upstate New York, showcasing the accelerator's role in fostering a robust business climate.

Important Dates

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted by December 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the Manufacturing Hardware Accelerator homepage for application details and to attend a virtual information session on November 20 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, during which program leaders will be available to address questions.

About Rev Ithaca Startup Works

Rev Ithaca Startup Works is a notable business incubator within Cornell Research and Innovation dedicated to catalyzing startup growth through a mixture of mentorship, resources, and programming tailored to the Ithaca region. Their ongoing commitment to innovation creates an ideal environment for fostering new ideas into successful ventures.

For further information, please contact:
Katharine Downey
(607) 882-2400
[email protected]