TiE U Accelerator Program - Applications Open
About TiE U
TiE U is a 6-month accelerator program designed to fast-track collegiate entrepreneurs’ innovative ideas into Market-ready ventures.
This global accelerator program is designed to inspire and support future innovators by offering mentorship, education, investment readiness, and opportunities that connect academia and industries.
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Benefits to Participants
- Structured Masterclasses and Workshop
- Mentorship by Experienced Entrepreneurs
- Opportunities for Global Networking
- Global Pitch Competition
- Market Access
- Investor Connect
- Prize Money and In-kind Awards
- Golden Ticket to Rice Business Plan Competition
- Certificate of Participation
- Join TiE U Alumni of 1000+ alums
Program Calendar
10th Feb., 2025: Applications Open
31st May, 2025: Application Close
Jun. to Aug., 2025: Chapter-level mentoring
Aug. to Sept., 2025: Regional Pitch Competition
Oct. to Nov., 2025: Mentoring of Winning Teams | Mock Round and Semi Finals
Eligibility Criteria
TiE U will accept applications in two tracks to provide tailored support to all applicants. The shortlisted teams of each track will receive mentorship and participate in regional pitch. The regional winners will compete in the global pitch competition at the prestigious TiE Global Summit, offering them unparalleled global exposure.
The two tracks will be:
- Pre-revenue Track (for startups at Ideation Stage)
- Revenue Track (for startups at early revenue stage)
| Track 1 : Pre-revenue Track | Track 2 : Revenue Track |
| Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students with a validated startup idea | Open to undergrad, postgrad/graduate students |
| All team members must be current students of a college/university | The startup must have a real product and early customers. |
| Teams should consist of minimum 2 and maximum 5 members (max. limit is optional) | Teams should consist of minimum 2 and maximum 5 members. (max. limit is optional) |
| The applicant must be the founder or co-founder of the startup | At least one team member must be a current postgrad/graduate student. |
| A basic prototype should be developed, with some level of customer validation completed | If any of the co-founder/team members has graduated, it should be no more than two years ago. |
| Revenue must be below $5,000 (since the startup is operational) | Revenue requirements: (since the startup is operational) |
| Eastern Hemisphere startups: ≥$5K revenue | |
| Western Hemisphere startups: ≥$25K revenue | |
| TiE U Alumni are eligible to reapply (but not past chapter winners) |
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