Fast track your hardware technology and business.

NextCorps’ Manufacturing Accelerator helps startup companies reduce the risk, waste, and cost associated with getting hardware from prototype to mass production.

Program Benefits

If your early-stage company is more than a year old, you are at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2 or higher, and you are located in the United States, the Manufacturing Accelerator can help speed your product commercialization.

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

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 resources developed by NextCorps and RIT. The program is funded by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, and administered by NextCorps.

Accelerate Your Manufacturing Timeline

Participants in the Manufacturing Accelerator get hands-on support to complete essential activities.

Perform an initial Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) assessment
Build out a comprehensive Product Requirements Document with our PRD-Builder tool
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

Meet Our Startups

Get to know some of the companies that advanced their hardware at NextCorps’ Manufacturing Accelerator. View companies >>

Cohort 3 Announcement Coming Soon!

Applications are currently closed. If you’re interested in participating in a future cohort, subscribe to the NextCorps newsletter for program updates.

Key Dates

FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 27: Applications Accepted

MARCH 15: Virtual Info Session (Review Recording)

MARCH 31: Notification of Acceptance

APRIL 5: Curriculum Begins

MAY 31: Curriculum Ends

JULY 31: Program Ends

Participation will require 2 hours per week for 9 weeks, along with 1.5 days for facility tours. Coaching and project development will continue between May 31 and July 31 and will vary per company.

Learn More

Questions about the accelerator? Complete the form to connect with a member of our team.

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Program Partners

“The beneficial connections we’ve made through the program have changed our manufacturing strategy. It’s opened the door to finding a high-quality contract manufacturer that can build our boards, so we don’t have to do it ourselves.”

Rhonda Staudt

Combined Energies, LLC

“The program provided very valuable content related to manufacturing readiness and quality standards. Most importantly, it offered motivation for otherwise busy innovators to review, plan, and execute their manufacturing and quality process.”

Michael Emmerling

K-Neesio LLC