Blockchain Accelerator

Maryland Smith’s new Blockchain Accelerator, led by the Supply Chain Management Center and the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, merges the university’s best capabilities in computer science, engineering and business.

The business implications of blockchain are perhaps as impactful as the internet itself was 20 years ago. Blockchain harnesses advances in computing, peer-to-peer networks and cryptography to allow the transaction of digital assets without the need for a third party guarantor.

This accelerator will help early-stage companies from around the country access content and mentorship to systematically advance their businesses. Entirely virtual, the accelerator will leverage the FounderTrac platform. The 45-day program culminates in a Demo Day where participating companies will have an opportunity to pitch to investors.

Because there is no cost or equity taken the applications will be highly competitive for a limited number of seats.

Important Dates

Applications Close: March 26, 2024
Showcase: May 14, 2024

Benefits to Participants

Access to top industry mentors
A Demo Day with the Dingman Center Angel Group and other Angels and VCs
FounderTrac’s online collaborative company-building platform
Access to the Founder Focus Assessment™ algorithm with startup risk readout
Access to ‘Sherpa’ mentoring and advisory network
Work sessions with professional templates, worksheets, and examples
Small group coaching facilitated by subject matter experts and elite founders/executives
Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions led by subject matter experts and elite founders/executives
Virtual events including kick-off & Demo Day benefiting from expert production and publicity

What We’re Looking for in Applicants

Actively building a product that uses blockchain technology.
Working on application-layer solutions (Update: 2024 Cohort is accepting companies building a new layer 1 blockchain technology). Proposed: Building a venture utilizing blockchain technology. This can include but is not limited to a L0, L1, L2, or dApp solution/venture
In any business stage between ideation to constant revenue.

All startups that meet the above criteria may apply regardless of affiliation with the University of Maryland.