Washington D.C.'s startup environment is shaped by its closeness to federal agencies and policy making. Founders will find a range of programs that support different industries, from civic tech to national security.
For example, AFWERX, a U.S. Air Force program, has made over 40 investments in its portfolio companies. Other programs like the PeaceTech Accelerator have also been active, with nearly 30 investments in ventures promoting peace.
Below is our list of the best 19 accelerators and incubators in Washington D.C.
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2,189 Accelerators & Incubators
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Get the Sheet for $50As a non-profit accelerator, CivStart helps build an ecosystem of technology solutions for local governments and their communities. They support govtech startups by connecting them with public sector leaders to tackle pressing civic challenges.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Nick Lyell, Anthony Jamison, Sarah Nicoll (Kerner) |
| Nº of Investments | 19 |
| Nº of Exits | 3 |
| Duration (Weeks) | 104 |
Mission Daybreak spearheads a $20 million grand challenge to develop and accelerate new suicide prevention solutions for military Veterans. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the program provides prize money and resources to innovators with the goal of bringing novel technologies to those in need.
| Year Founded | 2022 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 28 |
| Nº of Exits | 3 |
Dedicated to fostering peace and stability through technology, the PeaceTech Accelerator backs social impact ventures with ambitious missions. The program equips these startups with cloud technology and strategic resources, helping them scale their solutions and create lasting change.
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Andre Pienaar |
| Nº of Investments | 29 |
| Nº of Exits | 3 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 8 |
The U.S. Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office provides critical debt financing to help deploy large-scale, innovative energy and advanced automotive manufacturing projects. This government-backed funding helps bridge a crucial financing gap for capital-intensive technologies, famously supporting the commercial scaling of companies like Tesla.
| Year Founded | 1977 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 6 |
| Nº of Exits | 2 |
Halcyon Incubator champions early-stage, impact-driven startups committed to solving major 21st-century challenges. Through its fellowship program, the incubator provides critical support, mentorship, and resources to help these social ventures grow and succeed.
| Year Founded | 2014 |
| Founders | Sachiko Kuno |
| Nº of Investments | 8 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
As the innovation arm of the U.S. Department of the Air Force, AFWERX connects private sector innovators with military challenges and resources. They provide a streamlined path for startups in fields like AI, aviation, and space to secure non-dilutive funding and government contracts.
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | Christopher Benson |
| Nº of Investments | 43 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
Focused on bringing research to the forefront of educational technology, they help EdTech startups gather crucial evidence on their product's impact. By connecting companies with educators for pilot studies, the accelerator supports the scaling of solutions proven to enhance student learning.
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Bart Epstein |
| Nº of Investments | 3 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
Operating as a venture builder, they partner with early-stage entrepreneurs to build, launch, and grow new digital businesses. The firm provides a unique combination of strategic, creative, technical, and financial support to get high-potential companies to market faster and smarter.
| Year Founded | 2001 |
| Founders | Gareth Robinson, Andy Stevens |
| Nº of Investments | 1 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
Red Cell Partners operates at the intersection of national security and healthcare, acting as an incubation firm that builds and invests in technology-led companies. They focus on bringing revolutionary advancements to these critical markets by developing rapidly scalable businesses from the ground up.
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | Grant Verstandig, Kevin Keaton, John Tenet |
| Nº of Investments | 14 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
2Gether-International champions entrepreneurs with disabilities through its specialized accelerator program. The organization provides tailored resources and a supportive community to help these founders build and scale their ventures.
| Year Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 18 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
9 Additional Washington D.C. Accelerators and Incubators Worth Applying To
Our top picks are a great starting point, but the support for founders in D.C. runs much deeper. The other programs in the area have collectively invested in nearly 200 startups. Each one offers something different, from funding to mentorship. Here’s a look at the other accelerators and incubators helping founders across the city.
