Accelerators

FastForward U’s accelerator programming is an opportunity for student teams from across the University to work collaboratively to make progress on their ventures. These engaging, cross-disciplinary initiatives build skills, grow networks, and connect founders with other entrepreneurial students.

Teams are grouped by stage to allow students to learn together at a pace that makes sense for where they are on their entrepreneurial journey. Spark and Fuel tracks include a stipend and the chance to win additional funds at Demo Days.

Learn more about each track below:

SUMMER INCUBATOR

A new, six-week, co-working experience for student ventures ready to take a “deep dive” into building their startups. Student teams at any stage of development are invited to apply; program participants will be expected to work at least 20 hours a week at the FastForward U building while engaging in significant mentorship and networking opportunities. Students can also apply to live on campus and receive a small grant.

SPARK ACCELERATOR (re-opens fall ’23)

• Early-stage track for teams to explore and validate their ideas.
• Asynchronous online curriculum focuses on early venture basics, market research, customer discovery, and more.
• Live, weekly MasterMind check-ins for brainstorming and feedback hour.
• Teams who complete the experience are eligible for a $500 grant stipend and up to $2,500 in additional prize money at the end of the semester Showcase. 
• Successfully completing Spark makes many teams ready for Fuel.

FUEL ACCELERATOR (re-opens fall ’23)

• Later-stage track designed to help committed ventures get market/investor ready.
• Focuses on customer acquisition, marketing development, entrepreneurial finance, investor readiness, team-building, and more via customized attention (workshops, 1:1 mentorship, and more).
• Weekly cohort meetings throughout the semester with special guests (founders, VC, JHTV staff, and more).
• Includes multiple mentorship and industry connections as part of the program.
• Teams who complete the experience are eligible for a $5,000 grant stipend and up to $12,000 in additional prize money at the end of the semester Demo Day. 
• Successfully completing Fuel may help prepare teams for I&E Challenge Funding, the President’s Venture Fellowship, and/or other accelerators. 

Meet past cohorts and watch Demo Day footage:

• Spring 2023 Spark Cohort | Spring 2023 Spark Showcase
• Spring 2022 Spark Cohort | Spring 2022 Spark Showcase
• Spring 2022 Fuel Cohort | Spring 2022 Fuel Demo Day
• Fall 2021 Spark Cohort | Fall 2021 Spark Virtual Demo Day
• Fall 2021 Fuel Cohort | Fall 2021 Fuel Virtual Demo Day
• Spring 2021 Cohort | Spring 2021 Virtual Demo Day
• Spring 2020 Cohort | Spring 2020 Virtual Demo Day
• Fall 2019 Cohort | Fall 2019 Demo Days

THE SOCIAL INNOVATION LAB ACCELERATOR (re-opens fall ’23)

In addition to FastForward U’s Spark and Fuel accelerators, JHTV offers an accelerator through its Social Innovation Lab (SIL) for mission-driven startups working towards a solution with a stated social or environmental impact.

• Open to early-stage ventures with demonstrated traction (for-profit and non-profit).
• Ventures work in a cohort structure with other Johns Hopkins University and Baltimore-area entrepreneurs.
• Focuses on customer discovery, financial literacy and fundraising, impact measurement, storytelling, and more.
• Provides access to a wide network of mentors, advisors, partners, and funders in Baltimore and beyond.
• Offers the opportunity to win a $25,000 cohort prize.