The 2026 LaunchVT Accelerator cohort kicked off at Hula in mid-April, bringing a new wave of entrepreneurial energy to campus.
Each year, this kick-off marks the beginning of an intensive journey for a small group of founders who are building companies with the potential to shape Vermont’s innovation economy. This year’s cohort is no exception, arriving with bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and a shared commitment to growth.
Six entrepreneurs have been selected for the 2026 accelerator, each representing a distinct business and vision. Over the course of the program, they will participate in a rigorous, hands-on curriculum designed to prepare them for meaningful investor engagement. That includes refining their business models, sharpening their storytelling, pressure-testing their financials, and gaining a deeper understanding of what it takes to scale a company sustainably. The experience is immersive and demanding by design, combining mentorship, peer collaboration, and real-world feedback from seasoned operators and investors.
By hosting the cohort at Hula, founders are embedded in a broader community of entrepreneurs, creatives, remote workers, and investors. That proximity creates organic opportunities for connection including conversations over coffee, spontaneous introductions, and the energy of the thriving professional environment.
As the weeks progress, the cohort will move steadily toward one of the program’s culminating event: LaunchVT Demo Night. Taking place at Hula on June 16th, the event brings together investors, community members, and supporters from across the region. Each founder will take the stage to pitch their company, distilling months of work into a compelling, short presentation. At the end of the night, one company will be awarded a $15,000 prize, and all will have the potential to secure additional investment from members of the local community.
“This cohort is excited, thoughtful, and extremely curious,” said Noragh Devlin, LaunchVT's executive director. “I am so excited to integrate them into the community at Hula and beyond, and to see what they will accomplish with that ecosystem at their back.”
As the 2026 cohort continues its journey, please follow along, engage, and show up in support. Whether through attending events, making introductions, or simply staying curious about the companies being built here, there are many ways to be part of the process.
For more information on the individuals participating in the 2026 cohort, and to learn more about their companies and progress, visit the LaunchVT website.
