Ithaca incubator accepting applications for protofacturing accelerator

ITHACA, N.Y. — Applications are open for Rev: Ithaca Startup Works business incubator’s new Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator program that connects existing prototyping and manufacturing hardware accelerators and helps entrepreneurs refine their prototypes.

“We’re bridging the gap between prototyping and manufacturing to help entrepreneurs get a design freeze; then they can confidently advance to manufacturing at volume,” Deanna Kocher, Rev’s associate director of hardware programs, said in the announcement.

Applications are due by August 2 and are available online. The web address is https://www.revithaca.com/protofacturing-hardware-accelerator/.

The Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator supports physical product startups that have developed a proof-of-concept prototype and are preparing for initial manufacturing runs. Throughout the program, participants will refine their initial prototypes to create engineering prototypes while continuing to engage in customer discovery and securing funding for upfront manufacturing costs.

Administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) with support from Cornell Engineering, Rev’s hardware accelerators help entrepreneurs in launching and growing startups that offer physical products. Each program offers four curriculum tracks — industry-agnostic open, agriculture technology, climate technology, and medical technology.

“The prototyping hardware accelerator experience has equipped me with a customer-centric mindset, enhanced prototyping capabilities, and a nuanced approach to design considerations,” Hannah James, founder of Virtual Fencing, said in the Rev announcement. “These preparatory aspects are invaluable as I transition into the protofacturing phase, where the focus is on scaling production while maintaining high standards of product quality and market relevance.”

The program is funded through a $2 million Build to Scale grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration with a local matching fund of $2 million, including $1 million from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR).

The program curriculum and support are delivered virtually, and participants do not need to be in Ithaca to participate.

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is a business incubator and startup workspace in Ithaca that offers business mentorship, training, and startup resources for any new or growing business that plans to scale and create jobs in the region. It was founded in 2014 through a partnership between Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College.