Blockchain Accelerator
Blockchain Accelerator
The Robert H. Smith School of Business’ Blockchain Accelerator brings together the university’s best capabilities in computer science, engineering, and business to support early-stage ventures building with blockchain technology.
The technical and business implications of blockchain are perhaps as impactful as the internet itself was 25 years ago. As this technology evolves, it is expected to play a major role in reshaping how digital systems, assets, and transactions operate across industries.
This accelerator will help early-stage companies from around the country with guidance, mentorship, and access to industry expertise to help advance their products, services and business models. Teams that are at an advanced stage of their offerings will have the opportunity to present their work to investors.
Benefits to Participants
- Access to top industry mentors
- A Demo Day with investors and venture capital firms
- Work sessions with professional templates, worksheets, and applications
- Small group coaching facilitated by subject matter experts and elite executives
- Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions led by experts and founders
What We’re Looking for in Applicants
- Teams actively building a product that uses blockchain technology
- A clearly defined use case with a strong product vision and business plan
- An MVP (Minimum Viable Product) developed or in advanced stages
- Evidence of early traction such as initial users
- Teams that have begun or are planning user acquisition efforts
- Founders who demonstrate clarity on market positioning, customer segments, and growth strategy
- Startups at any stage, from ideation to revenue-generating
- All startups that meet the above criteria may apply regardless of affiliation with the University of Maryland.
Questions? Email us at blockchain@umd.edu.
Academic Director
Tejwansh (Tej) Singh Anand
Mentors
Harry Alford
BD, Monad Foundation
Jal Irani
Mentor & Visiting Faculty member from Johns Hopkins
Jacqueline Cooper
CEO, Blockchain Legal Institute, Maryland Blockchain Association & Digital Asset Regulatory Authority