The eLab Summer Accelerator is an intensive program providing the tools and resources students need to develop their own startup. For nine weeks from early-June to early-August, teams work on their ventures. This includes:

• Meeting with a faculty member to discuss project milestones, deliverables and to create a formal plan of action
• Following a specialized entrepreneurship curriculum presented during a three-day boot camp
• Attending weekly meetings and workshops
• Receiving mentorship and advising from Keller Center faculty, staff, entrepreneurs and technology experts
• Presenting to investors, inventors, experts, and others from the entrepreneurial community at our Demo Day event

Benefits

• Participants will learn how to develop their startup ideas into viable, scalable ventures
• Assignment of experienced mentors in their field, plus one faculty advisor per team
• Targeted workshops and lectures open only to eLab participants
• Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, legal and accounting services, and investors
• $5000 stipend for each team member
• Business expense account for each team
• Housing on campus
• Co-working space in the Princeton Entrepreneurial Hub

Eligibility

• Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate Princeton University students at the time of application (applies to returnee team as well as new teams)
• Graduating seniors are welcome - graduating international students must discuss work authorization requirements with the Davis IC
• Graduate students must provide written approval from their faculty advisor prior to committing to the program
• All majors are welcomed and encouraged
• Both for-profit and not-for-profit ventures are encouraged 
• Startup team size: minimum of three and maximum of five Princeton student team members
• I-9 not required

Key Dates

• October 31, 2023: Frist table C4 (11:30 am - 1:30 pm)
• November 1, 2023: Application period opens
• November 9, 2023: eLab Info Session (Hub 115, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm)
• November 16, 2023: Frist table C4 (11:30 am - 1:30 pm)
• November 28, 2023: eLab Info Session (Frist B04C, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm)
• December 4, 2023: Frist table C4 (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm)
• December 15, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST: Application deadline
• Late December 2023: Selected teams contacted for interviews
• January 8 - 10, 2024: Team interviews
• by January 12, 2024: Offers extended
• One week from date of offer: Team acceptance deadline
• March 15, 2024: All team members must be identified
• Early June 2024: Summer Program Kickoff Barbecue
• End of July / early August: Demo Day presentations

How to Apply

The eLab Accelerator cohort is no larger than eight teams; one of those spots is prioritized for a returnee venture.  As expectations for returnee teams are different than for new teams, a different application is required.  Please choose the appropriate application, New Venture or Returnee Venture.

The 2024 team application is closed; be notified when the 2025 application opens.

Two positions for eLab Program Associate are now open; deadline to apply is March 15, 2024

Apply Now 

Questions?

Email Stephanie Landers or email Manda Ryan.