Pre-Seed Accelerator
Program Overview
Launch Blue’s 7-week pre-seed accelerator focuses on training and developing Deep tech, Technology that transforms industries and Innovative Societal Solutions startups to create a funding strategy for success. Startups are educated on using multi-phase federal research grants to develop and de-risk the technology while also learning how to raise dilutive investment dollars at the seed stage level.
The program is ideal for pre-seed startups. Pre-seed refers to an early-stage startup that has not yet raised its seed round of funding from outside investors. Our program positions pre-seed startups to become attractive seed-stage investments.
For the duration of the program, cohort meetings are held online weekly to accommodate founders’ schedules. Additionally, industry mentor and coaches meet individually with founders for a virtual one-on-one coaching session.
Wondering if your startup is at the right stage for this program? Visit our FAQ page.
Please note: Launch Blue’s pre-seed accelerator is a non-equity seeking program.
Program Tracks
Our accelerator offers three different Program Tracks to provide a more effective experience for startups in the cohort.
Lab to Impact: Deep Tech
Industry Transformation
Innovative Societal Solutions
Areas of Interest
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Agtech refers to technologies making an impact in the agricultural industry to improve yield, efficiency, and profitability. AgTech encompasses a wide range of technologies, including automation, biotechnology, precision farming, and data analysis.
Examples: (PhytoGensis leverages plant-based compounds to develop safe and non-toxic alternatives to fungicides and other pesticides, Stocket bridges information, and beef cattle producers to a better way of farming.)
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Circular Economy and Sustainability focus on creating new technologies, strategies, practices, or policies to achieve principles or product materials that reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, repurpose, remanufacture, etc.
Examples: (Green Copper Recycling developed an envio-friendly (zero carbon emission and heat and acid-free) method of harvesting copper from end-use products and materials, Water Warriors created a natural, affordable pellet material to remove harmful levels of nutrients to keep the algae blooms from forming. Once the material cleans a body of water, the pellets can then be reused as a slow-release nutrient-rich soil amendment.)
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Together, green, renewable, and clean energy are increasingly used to generate electricity in order to phase out the use of fossil fuels, like coal and gas. Individually, green energy is energy that causes no harm to the natural environment through its source and production methods. Renewable energy is from energy sources that are replenished naturally, such as the sun or wind. Clean energy refers to clean air. For energy definitions and information, visit National Grid
Examples: (Qilo leverages AMI data to help utilities select the best energy solutions for their grid and pinpoint households with the greatest potential value and probability of solution adoption.)
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Innovative solutions and technologies that improve human health outcomes and health equity. Human health technologies are centered on human needs through technological advances such as devices and therapeutics. Health equity means helping people overcome healthcare barriers based on social determinants of health.
Examples: (NonBinary Solutions is a technology & consulting firm for behavioral health and ABA providers; Decurmed is helping immigrants navigate the U.S. healthcare system and get the care they need; Medical Physics Innovations is creating a transformative approach to cancer care through a new generation of Radiation Therapy Quality Assurance technologies, Malaria Drug: SJ733 is developing a safe, rapid-acting anti-malarial medicine.)
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Materials Innovations focuses on advancing the next generation of materials through science and technology. This process focuses on meeting user needs through improvements in existing products or processes by creating something new. (i.e. metals and critical materials)
Examples: (Green Copper Recycling developed an enviro-friendly (zero carbon emission and heat and acid-free) method of harvesting copper from end-use products and materials, Biovalor is developing a process to extract and recover battery metals with a more economical and environmental approach to recycling.)
How to Apply
Participants are vetted through a competitive application and interview process. The final selections for cohorts are determined by a selection committee that is appointed by our partners and the Launch Blue Advisory Board.
Have questions? Join us for Virtual Office Hours on Fridays at 12:30pm ET.
Applications for the Fall 2024 Cohort are closed.
Sign up to be notified when applications open.
Program Tracks:
Important Dates
August 14 - September 13: Fall 2024 Applications open
August 30: Virtual Information Session. Click here to watch the recording.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis in Round 1. Applications selected to advance will be invited to Round 2 interviews based on Program Track, September 19 and 20.
October 9 - November 20: Fall 2024 Pre-Seed Accelerator Cohort Program Dates