The Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst Program, a collaboration between Techstars and Emory University, is returning for its second year to continue empowering early-stage founders across the Emory community. 

Supported by the The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation, the program builds on the strong foundation of its inaugural 2025 cohort, which received a record-breaking 56 applications and supported 19 ventures spanning healthcare, AI, consumer tech, and social impact. Over 10 weeks, participating teams will receive world-class mentorship, hands-on startup education, and access to the global Techstars network to help transform their ideas into investable ventures. 

Christy Brown, an experienced entrepreneur and instructor who has guided startups through early growth stages, will return as the Lead Facilitator. Sri Harsha Soma, part of the 2025 cohort, says the program is invaluable. “This program will stretch your thinking, connect you with mentors who genuinely care, and arm you with the practical tools most founders spend years piecing together. You’ll leave with sharper skills, a supportive network, and the confidence that your venture can move from sketchpad to prototype and beyond far sooner than you imagined.”

“The success of last year’s ventures highlights the depth of entrepreneurial talent within the Emory community,” said Brian Cayce, Managing Director of the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Techstars to support founders who are driving innovation across Georgia and beyond.”

“The program helped me realize that all founders share similar doubts and struggles, yet it’s still worth pushing forward and building,” said Dimi Deju, founder of Seamlist. Sri Harsha Soma, founder of On the Level, added, “This experience completely changed my perspective on how customers understand a product. It motivated me to have better conversations with users, and each weekly session inspired me to refine my ideas and build with greater confidence.”

By connecting Emory innovators with Techstars’ global network, the program aims to strengthen Georgia’s startup ecosystem and help founders turn ideas into ventures that make a lasting impact. 

Apply Today

Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst Program. Teams need at least one Emory-affiliated member actively involved with the startup. At least one team member must commit to attending twice-weekly in-person sessions. 

📅 Applications close: December 5

💡 Program runs: January 22 – April 23, 2026 (in-person at Emory)

👥 Eligibility: Teams with at least one Emory-affiliated founder

Learn more or share the program overview here.

Have questions about the program or the application process? Attend an “Ask Me Anything” informational session via Zoom on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m. ET  Register to participate.

About Techstars

Techstars helps founders succeed. Through our global accelerators, we invest in early-stage startups led by founders building a better future for everyone. We leverage our vast network of alumni, mentors, partners and investors to support entrepreneurs and build thriving startup communities. Since 2006, we have invested in industry-defining companies including Chainalysis, Zipline, DataRobot, Alloy and many, many more. www.techstars.com

About The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation

The Hatchery supports innovators and entrepreneurs from all Emory schools and serves as Emory’s epicenter for exploring what’s possible. We empower students with the skillsets and mindsets to be purpose-driven and effective innovators and entrepreneurs who drive demonstrable social and economic impact. Housed within a 15,000-square-foot creativity and collaboration space, The Hatchery offers mentoring and program support for all stages of innovation—from inspiration and learning to startups. https://hatchery.emory.edu

About Goizueta Business School’s Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is a leading resource for entrepreneurial education at Emory University, meeting students, faculty and staff where they are in their development. With access points and general exposure for the curious as well as skill development and in-depth learning opportunities for the highly engaged, the center offers both academic and experiential pathways for founders, connectors, investors and disruptors. The Center seeks to foster entrepreneurship and innovation for Goizueta and the greater Emory community through critical inquiry, service to fundamental societal needs, execution of sound business principles, and possibilities that spark the imagination. https://goizueta.emory.edu/faculty/entrepreneurship-innovation

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