Phase 0: Pre-Accelerator
The Maryland Climate Tech Pre-Accelerator is a unique opportunity to test your climate-tech research, invention, and ideas to have commercial viability. The Maryland Innovation Energy Accelerator (MEIA) implements the program with the NSF Mid-Atlantic Hub I-Corps team at the University of Maryland. The exciting agenda of the Pre-Accelerator will have you work on the following elements for your potential venture:
- Understand if you are personally ready for the startup journey
- Learn the customer discovery and opportunities to learn more at the NSF Mid-Atlantic Hub I-Corp programs at the University of Maryland
- How to develop a viable business model
- Provide a commercialization path that includes potential funding sources, such as grants, equity, bank financing, or sweat equity.
Sound like a fit for you? The MEIA Winter 2026 Pre-Accelerator will run from January 13 to March 24.
Who It's For:
- Inventors with ideas, basic product development who want to learn about the entrepreneurial journey
- VERY early concepts
- TRL Level 1-3
- No prior investment
- Minimal commercial engagement
What We Do:
- Small workshops facilitated by experience entrepreneurs on Entrepreneur Journey, Customer Discovery, Business Model Development, Financing and Commercialization
- Advisory by a mentor you chose to help you develop your Startup Journey
- 2-month timeline, part-time commitment
Phase 0: Ideation Program
MEIA ideation programs are an opportunity to turn groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions! This exciting initiative brings together local community talent to develop innovative climate and energy solutions meant to benefit large organizations and the local community.
- Get product ideas that will have impact
- Connect with like-minded innovators, industry experts, and potential partners.
- Expert Mentorship – from around Maryland’s top climate tech founders and professors