cohort 2 applications currently open
Are you a Purdue-connected founder ready to take your startup to the next level?
Purdue Innovates Accelerator is a three-month, investment-based startup program that empowers founders to transform their bold visions into disruptive impact.
What’s covered in the PI Accelerator?
Over the course of three months, participants will gain tailored strategic support and access to a powerful network of world-class mentors, corporate partners, investors, and alumni, empowering them to reach key business milestones and scale their companies.
The program will consist of three phases:
1. Foundation and Structure Analysis
Lay a confident and credible foundation.
We start by helping founders validate their market, refine their business model, and establish the legal and financial structures necessary for growth, all grounded in Purdue’s tradition of excellence at scale.
2. Go To Market and Execution
Go from concept to customer traction with purpose.
Leveraging the Purdue Innovates entrepreneurial ecosystem, this phase turns MVPs into market ready products through structured development, validated sales strategies, and iterative market engagement.
3. Mentorship and Investor Readiness
Access the Purdue Innovates network to accelerate impact.
With expert mentors, pitch coaching, and curated investor introductions, founders emerge investor ready and strategically positioned for meaningful post program success.
*Applications for Accelerator are now closed. To get on the waitlist for a future cohort or reach out with a question about starting a company, please contact us. We are always happy to talk to you if you have an idea you’d like to develop.
Perks and Benefits
- Up to $100k investment (in the form of a SAFE).
- Access to Purdue Innovates’ global network of mentors and investors.
- Resources and tools for prototyping, product development, and marketing.
- Exposure to potential customers and pilot opportunities through corporate matchmaking.
- Ongoing support and networking opportunities post-program.
Key Dates
Applications Close:
Sunday, January 11th, 2026 @ 11:59pm
We welcome Purdue-connected startups with strong founding teams, innovative ideas, market traction, and a clear path to growth. For this Accelerator cohort, Purdue-connected means having a core founding team member that is either a student (undergrad, graduate, or PhD), faculty/staff, alumni, or licensing Purdue-IP.
Startups are evaluated on the strength of their team, the size and potential of the market they target, their progress to date, and the uniqueness of their idea (priority is given in that order).
No, not necessarily. Most of the companies we work with are very early stage. We are excited to help you succeed and grow from the very beginning.
Acceptance to the accelerator means you’ll receive tailored strategic support from Purdue Innovates that includes:
- Mentorship & networking
- Finding Product Market Fit (PMF)
- Access over 100+ perks and discounts valued at over $1 million
- Investor readiness
- Pitch Night
While the program offers flexibility for companies to work remotely, there will be specific events and milestones throughout the three-month program where in-person attendance will be required. These events will take place in West Lafayette, Indiana.
Yes, we invest in startups across a range of industries and business models, from deep tech to life sciences. Our focus is on high-growth startups that aim to scale rapidly, not small businesses. Each selected startup will receive funding in exchange for equity, with terms designed to support long-term growth, up to $100k investment in the form of a SAFE.
This program welcomes applications from high-growth startups across any industry. Industries we are excited to support include (but not limited to):
- MedTech and LifeSciences (Med Device, Digital Health, Biotech, Animal Health, Diagnostics, etc.)
- Agriculture & Food Science (AgTech, Farm Management, Precision Agriculture, Food processing, Veterinary related)
- HardTech (Semiconductors, Robotics, IoT, Manufacturing Tech, Connectivity, Wearables, etc.)
- Mobility & Energy (Autonomous Vehicles, Supply Chain & Logistics, Construction, Infrastructure, Clean Energy, Space & Avionics, Sustainability)
- Digital Tech (FinTech, AI, SaaS, HR Tech, EdTech, Automation, etc.)
Accelerator Application Form
The application window is now closed.