Launch Dayton is preparing to help another cohort of innovators take their ideas from concept to creation.
Applications are now open for the Early Risers Academy's fall 2021 tech cohort — a free pre-accelerator program designed for entrepreneurs, startups or researchers working to bring an innovative technology-based product or software to market.
The 10-week technology accelerator runs from Oct. 12 through Dec. 14. Classes meet from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays.
The course will focus on advanced concepts, including design-to-manufacture, lean technology, launching rapid prototyping, product-customer fit, seed funding, early funding and non-dilutive capital acquisition. Participants will receive education and engagement from technology commercialization experts.
They'll also be able to pitch for investments up to $400,000 from the Ohio Gateway Tech Fund — a new pre-seed fund focused on Dayton startups. The $10 million fund is led by managing partners from Converge Technologies and BX3 Capital, as well as collaborators The Entrepreneurs Center, Parallax Advanced Research, Sumeru Ventures and the Dayton Area Chamber.
The DBJ has reported on numerous former participants — most notably MilesAhead Energy, which won the Early Risers Academy tech cohort pitch competition this spring. Other graduates of the program include David Maurer, CEO of Green Zero Energy; and Luis Estevez, founder of AIMM.
The program is funded by the Department of Defense's Office of Economic Adjustment, as well as Ohio Third Frontier's Entrepreneurial Services Provider program. The tech cohort is helmed by Eric Wagner, founder, CEO and chief strategy officer of Converge Technologies.
