We’re excited to share that The Innovators Program Inc. is now accepting applications for the Innovators Program Raleigh 2017. As a proud sponsor of the Innovators Program since its inception in 2014, we are energized by the spirit of entrepreneurship that showcases Raleigh as a leading center of innovation. In addition to Red Hat, the 2017 Raleigh program is powered by Citrix, Nick O’Connor, designer and operator of previous Innovators Programs, and HQ Raleigh.

The three-month accelerator program lays the foundation for talented and motivated startup founders and internal innovators to develop the skill set and mindset to build high-growth technology businesses. This unique approach enables organizations to make the change from going "all in" on one idea to a more "sophisticated, angel investor-like" approach by rapidly innovating a few high-potential business ideas for three months, and deciding whether to invest based on market traction and opportunity.

Selected participants have an opportunity to learn and apply core principles used by successful technology startups to gain traction and develop their brand, business model, and growth strategy during the program. Each participating startup will receive one-on-one mentorship, weekly workshops, and a $10,000 grant. At the end of the program, the program will award additional grants of $10,000 per startup based on successful completion and commitment to the program.

Red Hat’s executive vice president and chief people officer, DeLisa Alexander, will serve on the committee that determines successful applicants, program grants, and post-program support participants.

To date, the program has included 22 internal innovation teams from both Red Hat and Citrix, as well as 37 startups, 10 of which have reported receiving $500,000 or more in seed funding. Innovators Program Raleigh alumni which subsequently reported receiving seed funding include health-tech startups Savii Care and Medicom, Ag- tech startup Smart Farm, and HR recruiting startup EmployUs. Graduates from last year’s Raleigh program are Glance.ai, Nebula, ShineBig, Vision LTC, and Malartu.

Early applications are due by June 14th, final applications must be submitted at by July 5th, and the program kicks off on July 17th.