Headstream Accelerator Program – United States

The Headstream Accelerator is dedicated to supporting early-stage digital edtech and health products that address the mental well-being of young people. Applicable innovations include edtech, digital health, and social tech innovations and must be past the ideation stage and, at a minimum, have a functional prototype.

The Headstream Accelerator is designed to identify, grow, and scale the most promising digital solutions that positively impact youth mental well-being, focusing on BIPOC, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The 16-week virtual-first program is tailored to support early-stage innovators to develop strong business plans and attractive value propositions for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

Offerings

This year, the Headstream Accelerator is offering:

• $30,000 non-dilutive stipend
• 16 weeks of virtual-first cohort programming
• Fully funded in-person kick-off event
• Supportive founder network, including founder well-being coaching
• Customized curriculum
• Partnership with Headstream’s Youth Co-Creator Club
• Access to a global network of funders, investors, and advisors
• Use of Headstream’s impact tool

Eligibility Criteria

• Youth Focus: Headstream is particularly interested in innovations targeting teenagers (13-19), but solutions for slightly younger (pre-teen) or older (college-aged youth) markets are eligible to apply.
• Tech-based: The Headstream Accelerator is open to all applicants with tech-based solutions focused on supporting young people and their support systems with a focus on education and healthcare in the U.S.
• Sustainable Funding Model: For-profit startups will benefit the most from the Accelerator, but other entities are eligible to apply as long as they have a sustainable funding model.
• Innovation Stages: Whether you have a functional prototype, a market-ready product, or are already offering your solution to clients, they encourage you to apply. Submissions that are solely theoretical designs or limited to ideas on paper will not be considered. Applicants ready to be supported by industry partners or ready to scale will receive the most benefit from the Headstream Accelerator.
• Cohort Dedication: You can commit to the entirety of the 16-week virtual-first program as well as attend the in-person kick-off event in April.
• Market: The U.S. is the primary market of focus. International applicants with a presence in the U.S. are still eligible to apply.

For more information, visit Headstream.