Applications open for next T3 Accelerator cohort
November 26, 2019
Do you run a startup that wants to work with the Air Force?
The application window is open for the 2020 T3 Accelerator, a program of Air Force Research Lab partner the Wright Brothers Institute & The Entrepreneurs Center designed to rapidly transition new tech to the commercialization phase.
This year’s accelerator focus is low-cost, low-maintenance additive manufacturing pieces for unmanned aerial vehicles — think sensors or engines for drones.
The T3 Accelerator will run for 10 weeks between March & May 2020. The accelerator will culminate in a demo day, after which participants can submit proposals for a Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award of up to $1.5M.
Participants will alternate between weeks in Dayton, Ohio and offsite weeks at the companies’ home locations. A $35K stipend is available to cover company travel and other expenses associated with attending the accelerator & demo day. This stipend is not a grant for general business expenses and is in consideration for full participation in the Accelerator. To encourage meaningful engagement throughout the Accelerator, selected companies will receive $17,000 in January (prior to the accelerator) and $17,000 in May (after demo day participation).
Lauren Tiffan, director of the T3 Transition Accelerator, uses the Fitbit as an example of what the accelerator can accomplish. The sensor tech originally designed for the Department of Defense was expensive and not as advanced — by taking it to the public, the inventors were able to refine the product by listening to the marketplace. Now the company can sell to civilians and the military at a lower cost, thanks to economies of scale.
The deadline to apply for the 2020 program is Sunday, Dec. 8. Companies will be notified of acceptance on Friday, Dec. 20.
