Startups looking to enter the public sector can find support from a unique set of accelerators and incubators. These programs are designed to help new companies work with government agencies.
For example, South Korea's TIPS Program has backed over 1,500 startups. In the United States, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has helped more than 40 of its companies achieve an exit.
Below is our list of the best 19 Public Sector accelerators and incubators.
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Get the Sheet for $50Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania acts as a catalyst for regional economic growth by providing capital and business support to early-stage, technology-focused companies. They help entrepreneurs navigate the path to commercialization, connecting them with the resources needed to build and scale their businesses in the area.
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Year Founded | 1982 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 232 |
| Nº of Exits | 45 |
The TIPS Program champions South Korea's private sector by selecting and supporting promising technology startups. With over 1,500 investments made, they provide the necessary resources and network to help early-stage companies develop their technology and find market success.
| Headquarters | Gangneung, Kangwon-do, South Korea |
| Year Founded | 2013 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 1519 |
| Nº of Exits | 40 |
What If Ventures backs founders tackling major challenges in mental health, general healthcare, and defense technology. The firm provides capital for companies at nearly every stage, investing from the earliest seed rounds through to pre-IPO.
| Headquarters | Frisco, Texas, United States |
| Year Founded | 2019 |
| Founders | Stephen Hays |
| Nº of Investments | 88 |
| Nº of Exits | 7 |
Starburst Accelerator helps early-stage companies grow their business globally in the aviation, space, and defense sectors. They provide a unique platform for founders to scale by connecting them with a network of corporate, government, and investment partners.
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Abhi Anuket, Francois Chopard, Sandra Budimir |
| Nº of Investments | 77 |
| Nº of Exits | 5 |
| Program Type | Online |
| Duration (Weeks) | 52 |
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) works to foster economic growth throughout Iowa by providing a variety of programs and services to businesses and communities. Their efforts are geared toward creating a dynamic business environment that stimulates innovation and job creation across the state.
| Headquarters | Des Moines, Iowa, United States |
| Year Founded | 2000 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 122 |
| Nº of Exits | 3 |
As a premier science and technology park, IKP Knowledge Park helps cultivate business-driven research and development. They provide critical infrastructure and a collaborative ecosystem for startups in life sciences, biotech, and related technology fields.
| Headquarters | Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Year Founded | 1999 |
| Founders | N. Chandrababu Naidu |
| Nº of Investments | 19 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
Specializing in early-stage fintech and insurtech, Nex Cubed helps build transformative companies from the ground up. Their bespoke program provides founders with hands-on guidance and critical connections to corporate partners to find product-market fit and scale.
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Year Founded | 2019 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 7 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
As the central agency for the Government of Kerala, Kerala Startup Mission spearheads entrepreneurship development and innovation throughout the state. They provide foundational support through funding, infrastructure, and mentorship to help early-stage companies, particularly those in the GovTech space, launch and scale.
| Headquarters | Trivandrum, Kerala, India |
| Year Founded | 2007 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 10 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) champions the growth of the state's technology sector as a public agency. They equip local tech companies with crucial resources and support to help build a more diversified and resilient economy for Hawaii.
| Headquarters | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |
| Year Founded | 1983 |
| Founders | Robbie Melton |
| Nº of Investments | 5 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
As a key government initiative, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) is dedicated to building and supporting Thailand's digital industry. They foster innovation by providing resources and support to startups and businesses in the information technology and public sectors.
| Headquarters | Bangkok, Krung Thep, Thailand |
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 11 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
9 Additional Public Sector Accelerators and Incubators Worth Applying To
Our top picks are a great place to start, but there are many other strong programs out there. The accelerators below have collectively backed over 150 startups in countries from the United Kingdom to Taiwan.
Each one provides valuable resources for founders building for the public sector. Here are the other public sector accelerators and incubators worth your consideration.