Andrews Launch Accelerator
Enabling NC State Founders to turn their visions into reality.
Andrews Launch Accelerator
The Andrews Launch Accelerator is where NC State Entrepreneurs make it happen- turning their visions into reality.
Interested in applying?
The application for the Andrews Launch Accelerator are have closed. Join the Clinic newsletter to hear about the results!
What is the Andrews Launch Accelerator?
The NC State Acceleration Fund is the product of a $1,000,000 donation from Lyn and Chip Andrews. Through the fund, we allocate equity-free seed capital to startups that complete the Andrews Launch Accelerator. The purpose of the Accelerator is to give NC State founders the opportunity to jumpstart their entrepreneurial journey. We provide founders with the funding, resources, and guidance to grow their company.
During our 12-week summer program, NC State startup founders get to work on their concepts and build their companies. The program is composed of modules that steer companies in the right direction. We hold the modules on Tuesday mornings (excluding the kickoff week, which also includes a Monday session).
Each module covers key entrepreneurial topics such as customer discovery, product development, and fundraising. The modules end with our Demo Day where companies get to pitch to the top investors in the Triangle.
Some of the key stats of the program are shown below, helping to highlight the huge impact this program has had so far.
41 companies
This many startups have participated in the Andrews Launch Accelerator
$15.2 million
ALA companies have accumulated this much revenue.
$42.7 million
ALA companies have raised over 40 million since the beginning of the program.
Recent andrews launch aCcelerator news / features
“I was absolutely blown away by the quality of startups, presentations, products, and companies. The level of founder education, company progress, and clear innovation was so apparent across all demos.”
Who is eligible to apply to the program?
Any startup that has a co-founding member who is either a current NC State student (undergraduate or graduate) or is a recent graduate (meaning they graduated 5 or fewer years ago) is eligible to apply.
How long is the accelerator?
The Andrews Launch Accelerator lasts for 12 weeks. The 2025 accelerator dates are currently planned to take place from May 20th until August 19th.
Do I have to be in Raleigh for the program?
Yes- at least one of your founders must be in Raleigh for the in person sessions that take place on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, and the kickoff session on the first Monday of the program from 9 am to 1 PM.
How much funding do teams get awarded?
The funding awarded to each team varies depending on the stage of the team in question and their needs. On average, teams receive between 5k and 10k in non-dilutive funding through the ALA.
Are non-tech startups eligible for the startup?
Yes- we welcome any startup company to apply to the accelerator. In 2025 specifically we’re excited to welcome more traditional style businesses, like CPG, food, or early stage services companies.
What other forms of support do teams get through the accelerator, besides funding?
Teams accepted into the Andrews Launch Accelerator will get numerous forms of support ranging from the non-dilutive cash awarded all the way to having an assigned EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence) serve as a coach during the program, exposure to weekly modules of content delivered by experts on the content covered in them, introductions through our network, and more.
Interested in applying?
The applications for the Andrews Launch Accelerator have closed. Follow the Clinic Newsletter for more info!