Rev: Ithaca Startup Works Opens Applications for 2025 Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator

ITHACA, N.Y., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is opening applications for the Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator. This five-month program is built for startups that have developed a proof-of-concept prototype and are preparing for initial manufacturing runs. 

To be admitted, teams must have an initial prototype developed that proves the feasibility of their concept and have conducted customer discovery. Both students and professionals are welcome to join the accelerator; there are no location requirements, as all content is delivered virtually.

The program has four different focus tracks for specialized program experience: 

• The Classic Track: Open to innovators in any field, this track provides foundational training across industries.
  
  
• The ClimateTech Track: ClimateTech startups are placed with a like-minded cohort, matched with a clean energy mentor, and benefit from guest speakers working in the field.
  
  
• The AgTech Track: Agriculture technology startups will benefit from specialized training and connections with experts and potential partners working in the agriculture industry.
  
  
• The MedTech Track: Medical device startups receive mentorship and networking connections with experts working in the medical field.

"I always tell everyone that Port Align has been scaled at a record pace because of Rev. The amount of support, knowledge, constant feedback, and learning in the program has been incredible," said Hilario Castillo, RN, Founder of Port Align, 2024 MedTech Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator.

These selective tracks offer startups the opportunity to gain experience and mentorship from experts in their respective industries. With the goal of refining prototypes efficiently, participants will be given two participation options: 

Advising Only: This group will have access to all virtual content sessions and additional resources, including workshops, digital curriculum, and select Cornell University startup resources. Content participants will have access to business support and mentorship, as well as any technical feedback provided during scheduled sessions.
Development Support: This group will have access to all the same resources as the content participants, along with additional engineering and development support, including access to the hardware prototyping lab. Companies admitted into this tier have products that are compatible with the skillset and shop at Rev with reasonable timelines and expectations for working with the engineering development team. Regional teams in this tier will have the choice to opt into in-person shop access & training or remote access through our development team.

The Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator not only assists early-stage entrepreneurs but also stimulates the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and economy. Alumnae of the prototyping and manufacturing programs have made a profound impact, raising over $25 million in venture capital to date, with 40% of participants engaged in other entrepreneurship programs in upstate New York. 

Applications for the 2025 cohort are being reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested entrepreneurs should visit the Protofacturing Hardware Accelerator homepage for more information and to submit their applications.

About Rev: Ithaca Startup Works: 

Rev: Ithaca Startup Works is a business incubator within Cornell Research and Innovation dedicated to supporting startup growth through mentorship, resources, and programming in the Ithaca region.

Media Contact:
Katharine Downey
(607) 882-2400
[email protected] 

SOURCE Rev: Ithaca Startup Works