The 10-xelerator is now a member of the TechStars Network, an invitation-only, White House-sponsored alliance of independent startup accelerator programs that provide seed funding and mentorship to innovative entrepreneurs.
10-x, lead by The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, will collaborate with those programs and share best practices.
“We are pleased to have 10-x join the TechStars Network,” says its founder and CEO David Cohen. “The TechStars Network signals and formalizes our support for credible mentorship-driven programs like those at The Ohio State University. We believe the proliferation of the mentorship-driven accelerator model is healthy for entrepreneurs. Through this network of independent organizations, we can help increase their impact dramatically and make entrepreneurial communities the real winners.”
The TechStars Network, part of the Startup America initiative launched by President Obama, was created to become an engine for job growth by ensuring that over the next four years, 5,000 experienced business leaders and investors will mentor and support 6,000 promising young entrepreneurs. The goal is to increase the success rate and sustainability of each program and, ultimately, create 25,000 new economy jobs by 2015.
Launched in April 2011 in partnership with Ohio’s New Entrepreneurs Fund, 10-x is an intensive 11-week program designed to attract and retain the best and brightest talent to Ohio.
“We are honored to join this elite alliance of startup accelerators from around the world, which will boost and support the 10-x mission to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology commercialization,” says Michael Camp, executive director of OSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship. “Ohio State’s selection to this invitation-only program also validates and recognizes our strong track record in educating and mentoring emerging business leaders in today’s volatile economic climate.”
10-x is currently accepting applications for its Winter 2012 program, which begins Jan. 23, 2012.
Applicant teams must consist of at least two people, and teams must be able to be located in Columbus during the duration of the 11-week program. Each team receives $20,000 to be used for business and living expenses.
Participants submit proposals and concepts, work under the guidance of sesasoned entrepreneurs, and pitch their ideas to dozens of venture capital and angel investors.
