Accelerator

A semester-long program for student teams ready to advance ventures with demonstrated traction. Build momentum through workshops, mentorship, expert guidance, and funding.

three students actively working together around a laptop

Overview

The Accelerator supports Yale students and teams who have moved beyond the earliest stages of building and are ready to make meaningful progress on their ventures.

Throughout the semester, participants work alongside mentors, experts, and other student founders to strengthen their organizations, projects, and ventures. The program welcomes a wide range of ideas, including businesses, social enterprises, nonprofits, civic and arts initiatives, technology platforms, community programs, and more.

Accelerator is part of Tsai CITY’s venture development sequence. If you’re still developing or testing an early-stage idea, Launch Pad may be a better place to start. If you're ready for a full-time summer commitment, consider the Summer Fellowship.

Resources

Participants receive:

  • Core and elective workshops designed to help advance your venture
  • Mentorship from a Venture Advisor and experts relevant to your work
  • One-on-one sessions covering topics such as pitching, business law, and venture development
  • $2,000 in grant funding
  • A community of student innovators from across Yale

Application and Criteria

Accelerator may be a good fit if you:

  • Are a current Yale student or part of a team that includes at least one full-time Yale student
  • Can demonstrate measurable traction, such as customers, users, pilot results, letters of intent, interviews, survey results, audience growth, media coverage, or event participation
  • Have a team with the skills and knowledge needed to advance your venture
  • Are ready to dedicate significant time each week to building

Accelerator, Launch Pad, and Summer Fellowship share a common application. Applicants advancing to the second round may be invited to an interview.

Expectations

Time commitment: Approximately 5–10 hours per week
Program format: In person
Sessions: Fridays, 10 am–2 pm

Participants are expected to:

  • Attend required Friday sessions
  • Participate actively in workshops and mentorship
  • Meet regularly with their assigned advisors and experts
  • Make consistent progress on their venture throughout the semester

Apply

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates about this and other programs/events happening at Tsai CITY.