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Thank you for your interest in the Syracuse Surge Accelerator. We have not yet started accepting applications for the next cohort. If you are interested in applying, please fill out our Interest Form and we will notify you when the application period opens.

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The Syracuse Surge Accelerator

About the Syracuse Surge Accelerator

The Syracuse Surge Accelerator is a one-year in-person accelerator to provide direct resources and support for Black-Indigenous-Persons of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs who want to launch and accelerate tech-related and tech-adjacent startups in Syracuse, New York.
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The program is operated by CenterState CEO through The Tech Garden in Syracuse, NY.

​View our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Interested in applying for the Syracuse Surge Accelerator? Fill out our interest form and we will let you know when applications are open!

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Got Questions? read the FAqs

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BIPOC can include anyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous or Native American, ​Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, Desi, Asian, Pacific Islander, Chicanx or Latinx. ​

For more information about the Syracuse Surge Accelerator, please contact ​Emad Rahim, Entrepreneurship Manager: [email protected]​

How does the Accelerator work?

• 5 BIPOC-led startup teams are selected to participate.
• The Accelerator is a 12-month, in-person program at CenterState CEO’s The Tech Garden in Syracuse, NY.
• Teams have access to office and meeting space in The Tech Garden.
• Teams are required to participate in workshops, mentoring and coaching/advising.
• Teams attend strategic events and networking opportunities in Syracuse, NY.
• CenterState CEO helps Teams to build networks and create strategic connections with potential business partners, advisors and customers.
• Teams receive a $5,000 ignition grant upon acceptance into the program, and $3,500 per month stipend for the duration of the program.
• Eligible teams will have access to apply for up to $100,000 in flexible financing when they are ready to establish (or grow) their business in Syracuse, NY.​

We know there are significantly few tech startups with minority founders. Through this program, we seek to drive change and create opportunities for those innovators to turn their ideas into businesses right here in Syracuse, New York."

-Dr. Emad Rahim, Syracuse Surge Entrepreneurship Manager

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Funding for the Syracuse Surge Accelerator provided, in part, by JP Morgan Chase Foundation and Microsoft.