The Pava Center’s accelerator programming is an opportunity for innovators from across the University and Baltimore community to work collaboratively to make progress on their ventures. These engaging, cross-disciplinary initiatives build skills, grow networks, and connect founders with other entrepreneurs, from undergrads to post-docs to community members.
Student teams are grouped by stage to allow them to learn together at a pace that makes sense for where they are on their entrepreneurial journey. Spark and Fuel tracks include a stipend and the chance to win additional funds at Demo Days.
All of our accelerators are industry agnostic; any kind of venture (including nonprofits) are eligible to apply. Learn more about each accelerator below.
Student-only Programming
Student Accelerator Application FAQ
NEW! KINDLING
- Pre-accelerator for entrepreneurs who want an introduction to the innovation landscape
- Opportunity to win money, build a high-powered network, and discover the next great startup idea. Areas of focus include:
- Energy and sustainability
- Healthcare
- AI and CS applications
- Education and well-being
- Applications for Spring 2025 are open. Deadline to apply: Jan. 31, 2025
- Early-stage track for student teams (or solo entrepreneurs) to explore and validate their ideas.
- Stipend grant (upon completion): $500 and up to $2,000 at final showcase
- Online in the fall, in-person in the spring
- Applications for Spring 2025 are open. Deadline to apply: Jan. 26, 2025
- Later-stage track designed to help committed student ventures get market/investor ready.
- Stipend grant (upon completion): $5,000 and up to $15,000 at final showcase
- In-person in the fall, online in the spring
- Applications for Spring 2025 are open. Deadline to apply: Jan. 26, 2025
Applications open in February
- A six-week, co-working experience for student ventures ready to take a “deep dive” into building their startups.
- Stipend grant awarded upon completion.
- Fully in-person
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge
Applications open in February
- A variety of student award opportunities in a single application for upper-level teams to work on their ventures over the coming year, including monthly cohort meetings.
- Stipend grant (upon completion): $10,000-$30,000
Student & Baltimore Community Accelerator
Applications open in the fall
- Designed for mission-driven startups working towards a solution with a stated social or environmental impact.
- Open to early-stage ventures from Johns Hopkins or Baltimore with demonstrated traction (for-profit and non-profit)
- Stipend grant (upon completion): $5,000 and up to $15,000 at final showcase
- Programming is chiefly in-person