Fast track your hardware technology and business.
NextCorps’ Manufacturing Accelerator helps startup companies reduce the risk, waste, and cost associated with getting a hardware product from prototype to mass production.
Program Benefits
Financial Assistance
Access local/state grants and potential investors to raise funds
Expert Advisors
Optimize your manufacturing roadmap with engaged mentors
Product Partners
Connect with vetted manufacturers, designers, and supply chain experts
Instructional Sessions
Strengthen all aspects of your business
If your early-stage company is more than a year old, based in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, and moving hardware technology from a proof-of-concept prototype into production, the Manufacturing Accelerator can help speed your product commercialization.
Meet Our Startups
Key Dates
The Manufacturing Accelerator accepts six startups for its half-year program.
- November 2021-January 2022: Applications Accepted
- January 2022: Cohort Selected
- Late January 2022: Program Start
- July 2022: Program End
The Manufacturing Accelerator utilizes the U.S. Department of Defense Manufacturing Readiness Level metrics, along with materials derived from the U.S. Department of Energy Build4Scale curriculum and additional materials developed by NextCorps and the program partners below. The program also uses Product Realization: Going From One to a Million by Anna Thornton as part of the instructional materials.
Program Partners






Accelerate Your Manufacturing Timeline
Participants in the Manufacturing Accelerator will get hands-on support to complete essential activities.
- Perform an initial Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessment
- Create Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Bill of Materials (BOM), and Bill of Process (BOP) documents
- Tour manufacturing sites to meet potential partners, view capabilities, and gain an understanding of processes, contracts, typical terms and conditions, time frames, and first sample and production elements
- Conduct individualized site visits to engage vendors for specific needs
- Develop a Manufacturing Roadmap to advance from your current MRL toward MRL 8 / mass production
- Apply for project funding (up to 80% of project costs) through Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
- Get ongoing support to resolve challenges and progress toward production
Our Team
Need more information? Get in touch with our team.

Mike Riedlinger
Managing Director
mike.riedlinger@nextcorps.org

Matt Stein
Program Coordinator
matt.stein@nextcorps.org
Join the Manufacturing Partner Network
Do you want to tap into a new network of hardware companies to grow your manufacturing business?
Become a member of the Manufacturing Partner Network.