Techstars Teams Up With The Roux Institute at Northeastern University to Drive Innovation in Northern New England
Feb 22, 2021
The Roux Institute Techstars Accelerator will focus on tech solutions at the intersection of humans and machines
February 22, 2021 - Today, Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, announced the launch of The Roux Institute Techstars Accelerator. Run in partnership with the Roux Institute at Northeastern University, the new program will be based in Portland, Maine and aimed at entrepreneurs building solutions that address the intersection of humans and machines in areas revolutionizing life and work including, but not limited to, AI, life sciences and health, and data and analytics. The program is accepting applications for the inaugural class today, February 22, through May 12.
The Roux Institute, founded in early 2020 by a generous investment from David and Barbara Roux, is an innovation hub devoted to deepening and expanding the advanced technology sector in Maine and driving talent and economic growth for the state and Northern New England. The Roux Institute Techstars Accelerator will further this mission by providing 10 companies with funding, hands-on mentorship and access to Techstars’ worldwide network of investors, mentors and corporate partners on an annual basis.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining the Northern New England entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Nancy Wolff, General Manager at Techstars. “Techstars was founded on the three simple principles that entrepreneurs create a better future, collaboration drives innovation and great ideas can come from anywhere. Bringing the engine that is Techstars to the larger Maine community, in partnership with the Roux Institute, will show startups why Portland can be one of the best environments for growing a business.”
The program will be led by a Techstars Managing Director and supported by leaders and mentors from the Roux Institute and its global network of partners and researchers. The three-month program will run September through December, where selected startups will grow their businesses through funding and fundraising opportunities, workshops and curated resources and mentorship.
“The Roux Institute has rapidly developed a robust infrastructure to support early stage businesses. Having just launched our residency, The Roux Institute Techstars Accelerator was a natural next step. We're looking forward to attracting some of the best companies around the world to Maine,” said Chris Wolfel, Director of Entrepreneurship at the Roux Institute.
Startups interested in the program are encouraged to learn more by visiting The Roux Institute Techstars Accelerator page or express interest here. Corporations interested in learning more about Techstars Accelerators and Techstars’ dedication to corporate innovation can learn more at techstars.com/corporate-innovation-partnerships.
About Techstars
The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 2,300 companies with a combined market cap of more than $193B. www.techstars.com
About The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
Northeastern’s Roux Institute is designed to spur innovation, build talent, and drive economic growth in Portland, the state of Maine, and the Northeast. Partnerships—with industry, academia, and government—set our education and research model apart. The world is being radically transformed by artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. In 2020, Northeastern launched the Roux Institute with tech entrepreneur David Roux to build expertise at the intersection of humans and machines. The institute offers graduate education and research capabilities in areas that will revolutionize life and work: AI, computer and data sciences, digital engineering, and the advanced life sciences and medicine. roux.northeastern.edu