Accelerator at MIT

Our selection committee looks at the following criteria when evaluating applications: Is the team solving a valid problem or addressing an important opportunity? Is the proposed solution a good fit? Is the team capable of developing the necessary solution?* Is there a market need or societal need for the proposed solution? Will the proposed idea make an impact on design, cities, and/or the human environment? Is there entrenched competition, regulations or lack of technology or accessibility that could make development of the venture impossible?**  

*Teams don’t need all technical members on board, but need to have a good connection or understanding of a proposed technology if applicable

**We do like attempts to solve the impossible though, so work your way through this criteria if necessary.

After an initial first-round selection by our committee, we will invite up to 20 finalist teams for a 30-min interview to learn more about your idea and clarify any details or information. Ideally, all members of the team will attend, but exceptions will be made for scheduling purposes. These finalists are also required to pitch their ventures in front of a panel and select guests including DesignX alumni and mentors. We will give you more information and tips for the pitch at the interviews. The committee will choose up to 12 ventures to join the cohort.

DesignX was originally created in SA+P to accelerate ventures in design, cities and the human environment, and provide a dedicated entrepreneurial program primarily for members of the SA+P community. However, we now gladly accept teams from across MIT as long as the focus of the venture is in the realm specified above.

Yes, but you cannot attend a workshop based program at the same time as our bootcamp or Spring class (such as the I-Lab at Harvard or Techstars). You are encouraged to also apply and join programs such as Sandbox, 100K, or Creative Arts concurrent to participating in DesignX. In addition, many teams apply and join the Delta V program at Martin Trust in the summer after our program.

Yes, many students develop their thesis alongside the development of venture in DesignX. You just need to coordinate this with your thesis advisor.

At DesignX, IP is considered the property of the individuals and/or teams. MIT will not stake claims on IP or patents on new ideas developed at DesignX. However, if your idea was created as part of prior research at MIT, or uses specific lab support of MIT, then MIT IP may apply. Teams must clear any MIT IP issues with the MIT TLO. Work by faculty or staff of MIT may also be subject to MIT rules pertaining to IP. The program offers resources and advice to assist you in protecting and filing patents – largely through our relationship with the MIT-BU Law Clinic.

The $10,000 grant is awarded to fund team expenses needed to develop the idea, including, but not limited to: data collection, database access, incorporation and legal costs, travel costs associated with meeting potential partners or customers, programming, marketing, or product development. We officially begin dispersing funds when teams complete the program, but some exceptions might be made as of midterm, and are at the discretion of the Executive Director. DesignX reserves the right to make decisions on acceptable use of funds, and all planned expenses must be cleared with DesignX before purchase. MIT has restrictions and rules that apply to all procurement and reimbursements that we must follow.

No, grant funding from DesignX cannot be used for sponsored research funding at MIT. In addition, funding cannot be used to pay for UROPs or cover RA salaries.

No, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is not required to receive team grants. Participants on student visas must check with the MIT International Student Office (ISO) to ensure their individual visa restrictions are carefully followed. Reimbursements of expenses can be made to any MIT student, regardless of citizenship or residency.

Teams will only be eligible for funding after the first milestone assessment at the midterm break of the Spring semester, and upon incorporation of their business venture. If a venture is not incorporated at that time, incremental payments can be advanced to teams in the form of reimbursements or payments of accepted expenses and at the discretion of the executive director of DesignX. Teams who do not draw on their grants and meet milestones will not receive funding after this date. The balance of funds will revert to DesignX. Acceptance to the DesignX cohort does not guarantee funding.

See our “cofounder connect” page.

No, only team applications with a minimum of 2 members may apply.

MIT DesignX accepts students from MIT and Harvard to join for credit. Other members of the team who might not be a student (or a student at another college or university) are not able, but also not required to take the class for credit. All team members are required to attend the courses though (except in specific cases where one team member might be located outside of Cambridge/Boston). In any case, at least two member must always be in attendance.

Yes, the courses are an integral part of the accelerator. All team members are required to attend the bootcamp and the Spring accelerator class (Fridays 9a-1p). Some minor exceptions can be made on an individual team basis, but must be cleared prior to the start of the accelerator – and shared with DesignX during the application process.

Students may receive a total of 18 academic credits (6 credits for completing the Bootcamp during IAP and 12 credits for the Spring semester accelerator program). DesignX classes are electives, please check with your departments regarding your individual credit fulfillments required for your degree. *Harvard students can only receive credit for the Spring class. Harvard doesn’t allow credit transfer from MIT IAP classes

Only the original idea and team composition selected by DesignX is eligible for the accelerator program and funding, unless (a) a team member voluntarily quits the team and the remaining members continue or (b) an acceptable pivot is made by members of the remaining team. Funding cannot be split between members of a team if they split.

Yes, new members may join a team at any time. However, only team members who participate in the accelerator will be recognized as having taken part in DesignX.

A team must apply and join with at least two people, and not more than five.

No, You can only apply with one team per year.

Yes, you are always encouraged to apply. Getting feedback and developing your ideas at every stage is critical.

Yes, cohort members are welcome to use the DesignX office in the MET Warehouse.

No, accepted teams must join the cohort they were chosen for or forfeit their position.