Rev: Ithaca Startup Works unveils new “Protofacturing” program
Rev: Ithaca Startup Works launched applications for the business incubator’s new Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator — a program connecting the existing Prototyping and Manufacturing Hardware Accelerators and helping entrepreneurs refine their prototypes.
“We’re bridging the gap between prototyping and manufacturing to help entrepreneurs get to a design freeze; then they can confidently advance to manufacturing at volume,” said Deanna Kocher, Associate Director of Hardware Programs at Rev.
The Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator supports physical product startups that have developed a proof-of-concept prototype and are preparing for initial manufacturing runs. Throughout the program, participants will refine their initial prototypes to create engineering prototypes while continuing to engage in customer discovery and securing funding for upfront manufacturing costs.
Administered by Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) with support from Cornell Engineering, Rev’s Hardware Accelerators assist entrepreneurs in launching and growing startups that offer physical products.
Each program offers entrepreneurs with four curriculum tracks, each offering specialized content and instruction to cater to different fields of interest. The first is an industry-agnostic open track, designed to accommodate a wide range of entrepreneurial pursuits regardless of sector. In addition, there are three specialized tracks: AgTech, ClimateTech, and MedTech. These tracks offer focused industry-specific training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
“The prototyping hardware accelerator experience has equipped me with a customer-centric mindset, enhanced prototyping capabilities, and a nuanced approach to design considerations,” shared Hannah James Ph.D. ’27, founder of Virtual Fencing. “These preparatory aspects are invaluable as I transition into the protofacturing phase, where the focus is on scaling production while maintaining high standards of product quality and market relevance.”
The program was made possible thanks to a $2 million “Build to Scale” grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. A local matching fund of $2 million, including $1 million from Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR), brings the total award amount to $4 million.
The hardware accelerators not only assist early-stage entrepreneurs but also stimulate the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and economy. Alumni of the prototyping and manufacturing programs have collectively raised more than $26 million in venture capital to date, and 40% of participants have engaged in other entrepreneurship programs in upstate New York.
The program curriculum and support will be delivered virtually; participants do not need to be in Ithaca to participate. If you are interested in learning more, attend an upcoming virtual information session on July 25th from 4-5 PM ET and apply for the 2024 cohort.
This story was originally published on Around Cornell.