Our hybrid, 8-week program is the first and largest HBCU-centered Pre-Accelerator in the country, supporting early-stage founders in launching and scaling tech startups. (Applications close 02/02/2026)
To date, we have supported over 1,500 HBCU students and alumni across 80+ HBCUs. Founders who have graduated from the Pre-Accelerator have gone on to raise millions in follow-on funding, create jobs, and make an impact across multiple tech sectors.
The HBCUFI Pre-Accelerator is an advancement opportunity where accepted founders are expected to validate the problem that their idea solves and build a minimum viable product (MVP) in eight weeks. The MVP will be assessed through a cumulative pitch competition, where founders can present their pitch deck and earn non-dilutive grants.
Throughout the program, founders gain access to a wide range of benefits, including mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, a tailored curriculum, networking opportunities with potential partners, and access to startup funding.
Our Pre-Accelerator curriculum is taught during weekly virtual cohort sessions, with additional on-campus activities hosted at our partner HBCUs listed below.
If you are interested in applying but do not currently attend or have not graduated from one of our partner HBCUs, there is a virtual cohort that is open to all HBCU students and alumni. Visit our FAQs section below for additional information.
United States