Alt: a notebook with a pen sitting on top of it
Title: Inside the Terp Startup Accelerator Program

Accelerate your entrepreneurial journey with the Terp Startup Accelerator, a premier entrepreneurship program designed to propel student ventures to new heights.

Introduction

Embarking on the entrepreneurial path can be both exhilarating and daunting. Navigating through idea validation, product development, and customer acquisition often poses significant challenges for aspiring entrepreneurs. This is where specialized entrepreneurship programs like the Terp Startup Accelerator come into play. Designed specifically for student entrepreneurs, the Terp Startup Accelerator offers comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources to ensure your startup not only survives but thrives.

What is the Terp Startup Accelerator?

The Terp Startup Accelerator is an intensive 8-week summer program meticulously crafted to accelerate the growth of student-led ventures. Focused on providing a deep dive into venture milestones and essential business fundamentals, this entrepreneurship program culminates in a high-stakes public showcase known as Demo Day. Participants emerge from the program with significant advancements in their products or services, an expanded customer and partner base, a robust understanding of their market, and a concrete go-to-market strategy.

Benefits of Joining the Terp Startup Accelerator

Participating in the Terp Startup Accelerator unlocks a plethora of benefits tailored to address the core challenges faced by startups:

Non-Dilutive Funding: Receive up to $5,000 in cash awards without relinquishing equity.
Additional Funding Opportunities: Stand a chance to earn further funding during Demo Day.
Personalized Mentorship: Gain ongoing, personalized advising from experienced venture mentors.
Exclusive Workshops and Resources: Access specialized workshops and a wealth of resources to bolster your business acumen.
Continued Support: Qualify to apply for ongoing support and funding as a Terp Startup Fellow throughout the academic year.

Who Should Apply?

The Terp Startup Accelerator is a highly competitive entrepreneurship program attracting passionate and driven individuals ready to take their ventures to the next level. Ideal candidates include:

Entrepreneurial Students and Recent Alumni: Those who have completed initial customer discovery and are actively testing their prototypes.
Founders with Milestones: Entrepreneurs who have developed an MVP and are working on acquiring initial customers through programs like New Venture Practicum or Pitch Dingman Competition.
Engaged Innovators: Applicants who have utilized campus entrepreneurial resources such as Startup Shell, Do Good, Mtech, or XFoundry.

If you’re committed to advancing your startup with the support of a dynamic community and seasoned mentors, the Terp Startup Accelerator could be the perfect fit for you.

Success Stories from Past Cohorts

2024 Cohort Highlights

BetterU
Saurabh Chapagain, ‘25
A gamified social habit tracker that transforms personal development into a fun, social experience.

Chatty
Tarun Thatavarthi, ‘25; Advait Kushe, ‘25
An AI interviewing agent providing feedback to software engineers, enhancing their problem-solving skills during interviews.

Cloudola
Yifan Zhang, ‘27
Custom shoulder rests using 3D scan data for violinists, ensuring comfort and preventing chronic pain.

2023 Cohort Highlights

Cursive Technology, Inc.
Joseph Thibault MBA ’23
Leveraging machine learning to uphold academic integrity by identifying unique writers and preventing contract cheating.

Sociable AI
Thomas (Sunghyun) Noh ’24; Jenny (Seoyoun) Jeong ’25
An AI virtual influencer supporting teens’ mental health through personalized interactions and content.

2022 Cohort Highlights

Exchange Roots
Evelyn Scott, ‘25
A virtual farmer’s market connecting small farmers with local customers to strengthen the local food network.

Journiy
Mildred Diggs, MBA ‘24
A digital care management platform enhancing patient adherence and health outcomes through culturally tailored approaches.

Community and Networking

One of the standout features of the Terp Startup Accelerator is its emphasis on community building. By joining the program, you become part of a supportive network of like-minded founders. This community fosters invaluable connections, providing a platform for advice, collaboration, and long-term partnerships that extend beyond the 8-week program.

Ready to Accelerate Your Startup?

The Terp Startup Accelerator is more than just an entrepreneurship program; it’s a launchpad for your startup’s success. With comprehensive support, funding opportunities, and a vibrant community, your entrepreneurial dreams are well within reach.

Take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey with the Terp Startup Accelerator. Apply today and transform your vision into a thriving business!

Start Your Journey with Us