Deadline: 23-January-2026
The RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP) 2026 is a 12-week, high-touch initiative designed to support startups and entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses with a customer-first focus and revenue-driven growth.
Focus Areas: The program focuses on startup foundations, market validation, product development, go-to-market strategy, innovation, scalability, mentorship, and industry connections. It emphasizes empowering innovators, fueling business growth, and driving the future of IoT, AI, and Data technology, with an open approach to startups from all industries developing or leveraging technologies such as IoT, AI, machine learning, big data, blockchain, cybersecurity, and robotics.
The RIoT Accelerator Program provides participants with comprehensive resources, expert mentorship, and strategic connections to help turn groundbreaking ideas into successful, scalable ventures. The initiative’s structure includes weekly workshops covering all critical aspects of business growth, such as foundational startup knowledge, market validation, and product strategy. Entrepreneurs benefit from one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders and gain access to RIoT’s extensive network of more than 200 mentors and corporate partners.
Networking opportunities are a core part of the experience, offering curated events that connect participants with potential customers, partners, and investors. Graduates of the program receive ongoing alumni benefits, including lifetime support, access to the Founders’ Roundtable peer advising network, and a complimentary one-year RIoT Groundbreaker Sponsorship after program completion.
The program is open to technology-based startups with scalable business models, regardless of their stage of development. It particularly welcomes committed founders and teams with strong ethics and a willingness to engage actively throughout the program. Early-stage companies testing MVPs and growth-stage ventures expanding their operations stand to gain the most from the accelerator.
The next cohort will be held in Wilson, North Carolina, from February 24 to June 11, 2026. Applications close on January 23, 2026, with reviews taking place between January 26 and February 6, 2026. Participants must be able to attend weekly in-person workshops in Wilson, NC, although some virtual sessions will be available.
For more information, visit RIoT.
