Rev: Ithaca Startup Works Opens Applications for 2025 Prototyping Hardware Accelerator

ITHACA, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rev: Ithaca Startup Works announces the launch of applications for its 2025 Prototyping Hardware Accelerator, a summer-long program that guides entrepreneurs through developing physical product concepts to determine if they are commercially desirable, technologically viable, and economically feasible. 

The accelerator provides participants up to $2,000 in prototype development funding and access to Rev's purpose-built prototyping lab. The comprehensive 10-week curriculum guides teams through three intensive sprints: feasibility assessment, proof of concept development, and prototype and pitch refinement. The program culminates in Demo Day, where teams showcase their innovations to potential investors and community partners by crafting a clear and concise pitch that demonstrates their customers' needs, business plans, and passion for their startup.

"Supporting early-stage entrepreneurs is one of the most exciting times in development, as prototypes and products can move very quickly when they are first coming to life," said Deanna Kocher, Assistant Director of Hardware Programs. 

The program, which has supported hardware startups since 2014, offers four specialized tracks: Classic, ClimateTech, AgTech, and MedTech.

Classic Track: Open to innovators in any field since 2014, Rev's classic track provides foundational training across all industries.

ClimateTech Track: ClimateTech startups are placed in a like-minded cohort, matched with clean energy and clean tech mentors, and learn from guest speakers in the field.

AgTech Track: Agriculture technology startups are immersed in specialized training and connected to experts and potential partners within the agriculture industry. Ideas can span from growing to food processing.

MedTech Track: Offered in partnership with Cornell Biomedical Engineering and Weill Cornell, the new MedTech track provides innovators developing medical devices access to specialized prototyping equipment, regulatory resources, and research and medical professionals in the field.

"Our program has a proven track record of helping innovators transform their ideas into viable businesses," said Ken Rother, Director of Rev: Ithaca Startup Works. "The addition of our MedTech track, supported by a $2 million grant, further expands our ability to support specialized innovation in the healthcare sector."

Located in Ithaca, New York, the program is free and open to anyone with a physical product concept and entrepreneurial drive. While software applications alone are not eligible, they may qualify when integrated with a physical product component. Teams do not need to have a legally formed LLC to participate.

Throughout the program, participants receive expert mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, access to industry-specific networks, a comprehensive workshop series, technical support from hardware engineers, and specialized pitch training. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to recruit team members, establish partnerships, initiate work with contract manufacturers, and engage with potential investors.

Applications for the 2025 cohort are being reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested entrepreneurs should visit the Prototyping Hardware Accelerator homepage for more information and to submit their applications.

About Rev: Ithaca Startup Works

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is a business incubator within Cornell Research and Innovation dedicated to supporting startup growth through mentorship, resources, and programming in the Ithaca region.

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SOURCE Rev: Ithaca Startup Works