Apply Now: Next Wave Fund for Tech Startups (United States)

The programme focuses on supporting early-stage innovation in hardware, software, gaming, and connected technologies, enabling entrepreneurs and small businesses to develop bold new ideas, prepare for crowdfunding success, access training and professional development, gain marketing exposure, and build pathways toward scaling through accelerator opportunities.

The fund is designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses launch and grow technology-driven projects by combining financial support with strategic guidance, training resources, and promotional opportunities. It aims to strengthen innovation ecosystems by enabling creators to reach wider audiences and successfully bring new products to market.

Each selected recipient receives a support package that includes hands-on guidance from Kickstarter’s Design & Technology team to prepare and execute crowdfunding campaigns, a $10,000 pledge toward their Kickstarter funding goal, free access to training programmes designed by Google such as the Google AI Professional Certificate and Grow with Google workshops, access to Kickstarter’s entrepreneurial community forums, marketing and promotional support through Kickstarter’s channels, and the opportunity to apply for Google Accelerators as their business scales.

Eligibility is limited to entrepreneurs or small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees working on technology or digital gaming projects. Eligible projects must incorporate hardware, software, new materials, or innovative functionality, and gaming projects must involve software or hardware components. At least one team member must be a US citizen, resident, or O-1 visa holder, the primary contact must be at least 18 years old, and the project must maintain a US-based bank account while complying with Kickstarter’s platform rules.

For more information, visit Kickstarter.