Science Inc. Spring 2026 | CleanTech & Materials Accelerator

The Home for Science Startups

Science Inc.™ is a leading, free virtual accelerator designed for early-stage CleanTech & Advanced Materials startups preparing to raise capital. This four-month program helps founders make meaningful progress toward de-risking their ventures and becoming investment-ready.

Here's what participants can expect:

🧪 Advance Key Business Milestones:

Guided by expert coaches and a tailored commercialization curriculum, founders will work toward the milestones that matter most—driving traction and positioning their companies for investment.

🧪 Grow Alongside Peer CleanTech & Materials Founders:

Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and explore strategies unique to your space, from regulatory planning to technology development. Learn from successful founders and subject matter experts while building a support network that extends beyond the program.

🧪 Engage with Investors:

Gain visibility through our curated Science Inc. | CleanTech & Materials Demo Day. You'll present to a select group of investors and strategic partners aligned with early-stage life science innovation.

🧪 Access Exclusive Innovation Space Benefits

As a Science Inc. participant, you join The Innovation Space™ community. Benefits include access to founder resources, networking events, and priority consideration for our residential programs— First Fund and our Early-Stage Growth Grant.

Science Inc. is predominantly conducted virtually, with two required in-person events at The Innovation Space in Wilmington, DE:

April 9th, 2026: Live Pitch Workshop

June 3rd-4th, 2026: IS:CleanTech Conference & Science Inc. | CleanTech & Materials Demo Day

Who Should Apply

Science Inc. Fall 2025 is open to early-stage CleanTech and Materials startups, including those working in next-generation materials, clean energy and storage systems, and sustainable and specialty chemical ingredients. Participants should meet the following milestones:

A developed scientific innovation

Completed foundational market research

A business model and milestone roadmap

At least $50,000 raised from dilutive or non-dilutive sources

Planning to fundraise within the next 12 months

Startups based in the Mid-Atlantic region—or those seeking to locate or expand into it—will receive priority consideration.

What Founders Are Saying

“The Science Inc. program provides a well-organized and comprehensive crash-course on all the critical elements required to build an incredibly compelling pitch deck for investors, and to strength-test your understanding of your business model and target market. We would recommend this program to entrepreneurs at any level with any background, especially those coming from a predominantly technical background with limited business skills.”

Chris DiMarco, CEO of Sindri Materials

✨Ready to join us? Apply by December 23 to be considered for one of three early-decision spots. Applications close January 16th ✨

Connect with a team member to learn more.

Science Inc.™ is a program of The Innovation Space™, a nonprofit innovation ecosystem supporting science entrepreneurs through targeted resources, lab infrastructure, and business-building programs. Learn more at innovationspace.org.