eLab Summer Accelerator

The eLab Summer Accelerator is an intensive program providing the tools and resources students need to develop and launch 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
  • 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

Key Dates

  • November 3, 2022: Frist table C2 (11:30 - 1:30pm)
  • November 7, 2022: Application period opens
  • November 18, 2022: eLab Info Session (Hub 115, 12:30 - 1:30 pm)
  • December 1, 2022: eLab Info Session (Frist MPR A, 12:30 - 1:30 pm)
  • February 2, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST: Application deadline
  • February 8, 2023: Selected teams contacted for interviews
  • February 14 - 16, 2023: Team interviews
  • by February 20, 2023: Offers extended
  • One week from date of offer: Team acceptance deadline
  • March 15, 2023: All team members must be identified
  • June 5, 2023: Summer Program Kickoff Barbecue
  • July 31 and August 1, 2023: 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.

Applications are closed for summer 2023; be notified when applications open for summer 2024.

Questions?

Contact Stephanie Landers at slanders@princeton.edu or Manda Ryan at mandar@princeton.edu

2023 Summer Accelerator Teams

Contacts

woman with long hair, wearing glasses and turquoise scarf and shirt, smiling
Entrepreneurial Program Manager
Manda Ryan
Program Coordinator, eLab and Tiger Challenge