Accelerator

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One Of The World’s FirstDisability Tech Accelerators

Since 2016 we’ve accelerated over 120 companies creating technology for disability, aging, and health.

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About theAccelerator

Our 16-week Accelerator program helps startups focused on disability by giving them seed funding, guidance from startup coaches, mentors, feedback from users, and the know-how to grow into successful, positive-impact businesses.

Our Accelerator is different to others because we run two bespoke cohorts at the same time within our program:

  1. Global Cohort - For startups based globally, outside of the US, led by Emma Earley.
  2. US Cohort - For  startups based in the US, led by Molly Lazarus.


Startups based in the US will be eligible for acceptance in the US cohort and startups based outside the US will be eligible for acceptance into the Global cohort.  

Both  cohorts have access to the same tailored support offerings, but we adjust for different time zones, seed funding details, and face-to-face events. Startups in both cohorts will have opportunities to work together as well as access all global mentors and advisors.


Want to know more about the cohorts? Check out our FAQs.

Why Apply?What makes our Accelerator unique

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Growth

Our cohorts are small so that we can tailor our program to your startup's needs and goals. Benefit from weekly 1:1 coaching, tailored programming, and expert advice to help your startup grow. You’ll also gain valuable insights from our extensive network and receive tips on making your website, products, and marketing more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

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Commitment

We aim to boost your startup's growth, ensuring every moment is worthwhile and tailoring our support to fit your unique needs. We believe in growing together by building a strong community with people with disabilities, fellow startups, and your team.

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Investment

Secure valuable seed funding* to grow your startup. Get $100,000 AUD for 6% equity as part of the global cohort, or $55,000 USD as a SAFE as part of the US cohort. Enjoy over $10,000 in bonuses like cloud storage from our partners. End the program by pitching in-person and online to investors and industry.
*Refer to our FAQs for more detail.

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Network

Connect with local and global networks across various sectors, including disability and startups. Benefit from mentorship in key strategic areas including branding, legal, sales, business development, capital raising and disability sector expertise. Attend key industry events and build connections at our gatherings.

Who should apply? Startup Criteria

Disability Tech: Your tech startup must clearly benefit people with disabilities, directly or indirectly, which could include disability, health, or aging innovations.

Startup Stage: Is your startup post-product, post-revenue? If so, we're looking for you. Earlier stage medtech hardware products are encouraged to apply too, given their longer path to market.

Growth Ready: If your tech is able to scale to help more people, we are interested.

Australia/US Focus: Our focus is on the Australian and US markets but welcome startups from anywhere. Your location will help decide which cohort you join.

Remarkable Innovators: We seek innovators focused on positive impact, growth, and innovation. Show us what's new and unique about your startup.

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What to expect?Program Overview


How it works:

  • Our Accelerator has two cohorts running at the same time.
  • Our 16-week program is mainly online with a few meet-ups in person.

What it includes:

  • Learning Blocks: Every week, startups will spend a dedicated 2.5 hours on tailored programming, split into two 75 minute blocks. This learning journey includes masterclasses, Q&A with founders, Remarkable Roundtables, and strategy masterminds.
  • Coaching: Every week, teams will have 1:1 coaching, plus regular mentoring sessions with subject-matter experts.
  • Networking: Access to our extensive community of global mentors, as well as in-person industry events. The two cohorts will connect virtually four times throughout the accelerator to share learnings, ideas, and insights.
  • Time Needed: Startups will be expected to dedicate about 7 hours per week for online coaching, mentoring and dedicated programming, as well as focused work as advised by their coach or mentor.

Key dates:

  • Applications closed.
  • Program start: June 17, 2024
  • Program end: October 4, 2024
  • Demo Day: 2024 TBC.

For more details on cohort dates see FAQs.

What do people say aboutthe Accelerator?


“Remarkable isn't just focused on the most cutting edge technology, or the highest possible return, they are focused on finding the best people to bring accessible tech into the world. And that focus is evident throughout the program." Madaline McCrary, User Insights Lead, Aurie.


“What might’ve taken 3 months to do, might be possible in 2-3 days. Remarkable has made us go a lot faster.” Max Burt Founder of WheelEasy.


“This program was so perfect for our team and incredibly valuable. I do believe it is the best program for startups in Australia!” Brennan Hatton Co-Founder of Equal Reality.

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Become aRemarkable Mentor


Apply to join our Remarkable mentor community! We connect our startups with expert mentors across our programs. As a mentor, you can choose your level of support to suit your skill set and capacity.


If you would like to make a difference in accelerating our startups, and believe your experience and network might be relevant, we encourage you to apply to be a mentor for our upcoming cohort.


Make an impact, apply today!

Become a mentor

Submit An Expression Of Interest For Our 2025 Accelerator!

Apply now

Frequently Asked Questions

Startup Criteria

All applications are welcome, but startups that are post-product, post-revenue will be a better fit for the Accelerator program. However, given their longer path to market, earlier stage medtech startups will also be considered.

If you don’t have an MVP yet or are still working on it, then Launcher, our pre-accelerator program, is better suited for you. Learn more about Launcher and submit an expression of interest for our 2025 program here.

Our accelerator program supports startups from across the world. Our networks and experience are strongest in the Australian and the US markets.

If you are based outside Australia or the US, make sure you take into account time zone differences.

Global Cohort: is open to startups from any country, excluding the US, and works on Australian Eastern Standard Time.

US Cohort: is just for startups in the US, and works on US Eastern Standard Time

Remarkable works with for-profit, for-purpose businesses.

We do not currently accept not-for-profit businesses for our Accelerator program

No, we are looking for game-changing technologies that have a big impact on all people with disability, including cerebral palsy.

Yes, we love the intersection between disability, aging and health. We look for applicability to the disability sector and we often find that there is quite a bit of overlap with the aged care market.

We will accept applications from individuals and teams. If applying as an individual, please consider how you will continue running your business as well as managing the program commitments.

Application Process

When do applications open?

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Applications for our next program open 2 April 2024.

When do applications close?

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Applications for our next program close 29 April 2024.

Please contact a Remarkable team member by emailing hello@remarkable.org

Key Dates

Applications: 2 April - 29 April
Notification of startups:

  • Global Cohort: from 21 May
  • US Cohort: from 23 May

Global Cohort: from 21 May
US Cohort: from 23 May

The total expected commitment on an average week will be around 7 hours, which will be mostly online. There will be a few in-person events where the required weekly hours will be higher. The weekly agendas will include group programming, coaching, mentor sessions, applicable masterclasses, or heads-down work on a particular area guided by your coach or mentor.

Please note the program will include two to three in-person events. Refer to the FAQs Key Dates below for program-specific dates.

Global Cohort - Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
  • 21 May TBC (online): Legal session 
  • 23-31 May (online): Pro bono legal support sessions (up to 4 hours per startup)
  • 3-7 June (online): Onboarding and Deep Dives
  • 17 June (online): Accelerator program starts
  • 2-4 July TBC (in-person, Sydney): Kickstart - an immersive in-person event, designed to set objectives, collaborate with your cohort and coach. If possible, each startup’s core team should plan to attend.
  • 2-5 August (in-person, Sydney): Mid-Program and Expo. Startups will join the Remarkable booth at the  Sydney Disabilities Expo. While all startups are welcome for the expo, it is not required. 
  • 4 October (online): Accelerator program ends
  • 16 October TBC (In-person, Sydney): Demo Day

Please note: these dates are subject to change. Whilst we have designed some programming to be in-person, we can make accommodations depending on accessibility requirements.

US Cohort - US Eastern Standard Time (EST)
  • June 3-7 (online): Onboarding and Deep Dives
  • June 17 (online): Accelerator program starts
  • June 20- 23 (in-person, Schaumburg, IL): The cohort will meet in Schaumburg, Illinois, and join the Remarkable booth at the Chicago Abilities Expo.
  • July 15-19 TBC (in person, VT): Kickstart - an immersive in-person event, designed to set objectives, collaborate with your cohort and coach. If possible, each startup’s core team should plan to attend.
  • October 4 (online): Accelerator program ends
  • October 12-16 TBC (In-person, Washington, DC): End-of-Program Retreat and Demo Day

Please note: these dates are subject to change. Whilst we have designed some programming to be in-person, we can make accommodations depending on accessibility requirements.

Key Dates

  • Applications: 2 April - 29 April
  • Screening and Selection: from 2 May
  • Shortlist Interviews: 9 May - 16 May
  • Notification of startups:
    Global Cohort: from 21 May
    US Cohort: from 23 May
  • June 18-23: June 3-7 (online): Onboarding and Deep Dives
  • June 17 (online): Accelerator program start
  • June 20- 23 (in-person, Schaumburg, IL): The cohort will meet in Schaumburg, Illinois, and join the Remarkable booth at the Chicago Abilities Expo.
  • July 15-19 TBC (in person, VT): Kickstart - an immersive in-person event, designed to set objectives, collaborate with your cohort and coach. If possible, each startup’s core team should plan to attend.
  • October 4 (online): Accelerator program ends
  • October 12-16 TBC (In-person, Washington, DC): End-of-Program Retreat and Demo Day

    Please note: these dates are subject to change. Whilst we have designed some programming to be in-person, we can make accommodations depending on accessibility requirements.

Program Offering

Seed funding and equity is dependent on the cohort your startup is eligible for.

Global cohort: offers $100,000 AUD for 6% equity.
US cohort: offers $55,000 USD as a SAFE.

Global cohort: will have the opportunity to participate in Sydney Disabilities Expo on 2 to 3 August, 2024.

US cohort: will have the opportunity to participate in Abilities Expo Chicago on June 20 to 23, 2024.

Access to Disability Market

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We have connections to many disability-focused networks in Australia and the US including Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation, Cerebral Palsy Research Network, NDIA, icare, ARATA, Alliance20, Health & Innovation Precincts, Kaiser, Shirley Ryan, the VA– and more.

We’ll introduce you, as appropriate, and invite them to events like Demo Day.

Program accessibility

Yes! Our program is a safe and innovative space for people across every gender, race, ethnicity, religion, country of origin, sexual orientation and disability.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions or if you require assistance accessing our program or application. You can reach us at hello@remarkable.org

Yes, we will ensure our program meets the needs of the founders. Prior to kickstart all startups will meet with the Remarkable team to set the foundations for the program and find ways to best serve the accessibility needs of all founders.

Networks & Support

Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) is a ground-breaking, global centre of expertise for cerebral palsy services and support, research, technology and innovation, and advocacy. CPA’s alliance of great minds work together to deliver a world of opportunity for people with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities, and their families.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) funds US-based research to change what’s possible for people with cerebral palsy, implements proven science, empowers people through education, and advances technology benefiting all disabled people worldwide.

Remarkable has a great network of individuals with lived experience of disability who founders will be introduced to during the program. Remarkable will make every effort to introduce you to people within our network to give relevant feedback about your specific product.

Yes, we believe this is one of our super-powers – Remarkable prides itself on being made possible by CPA and CPARF. And we have great partnerships with many other institutions within the disability and startup sectors.

If you have additional questions not covered in the FAQ section please feel free to submit your question directly to the Remarkable team by emailing hello@remarkable.org.

Supporting Partners