Open to all startups across a wide range of industries with a strong founding team that includes a Harvard alum.

How to apply

We will be accepting applications for the 2024 HarvardAE Accelerator starting October 4 through December 31, 2023.

In addition to the application, companies are asked to provide:

1. Latest Pitch Deck (Required)

2. 1-Minute Team Introduction Video (Required): A brief 1-minute video introducing your team.

3. Product Demo Video (Optional): You have the option to include a product demonstration video as part of your application.

   Virtual information sessions will be scheduled in October and November.

Eligibility

The accelerator is open to all for-profit Harvard alumni-founded ventures across a wide range of industries, both B2B and B2C, with a strong founding team.

CRITERIA

• Open to alumni-founded companies from any industry and all geographies.

• At least one founder who is an alumnus and working full-time at the company. 

• Companies must be beyond the idea stage, with some amount of time and resource already invested in creating and launching the company.

• Companies with an initial product and customers will be strongly preferred, but pre-revenue companies with longer product development requirements will be eligible.

• Companies must have a CEO and at least one other founder fluent in English. 

• Companies must commit to having the CEO participate in all workshops, plus at least one other senior team member, who can vary based on the module and workshop session.

• Applicants (alumni founders) must be members of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs ($55/yr).

Selection Process

All applicants will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• IDEA: Is the idea original? Is it a new concept?

• SOLVING REAL PROBLEMS: Is the problem a real pain point? Is the solution compelling?

• MARKET OPPORTUNITY: Is the target market clear and accessible? Can the company achieve rapid growth in this market?

• COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: Does the company have a clear competitive advantage? Is there a barrier to other entrants?

• BUSINESS MODEL: Is the customer acquisition model clear and validated? Are revenue growth and capital efficiency attractive?

• TEAM: Is this the right team to execute the plan? Are there any superstars or any obvious gaps?

All semi-finalist applicants will be interviewed in-person (virtually).

TIMELINE 

• Application process:  October 4 thru December 31

• Semi-finalists selected: Mid-January

• Final Selection: Mid-February

• Program Launch:  Early March