RAIN Catalysts, a Pacific Northwest-based nonprofit promoting entrepreneurship for underrepresented groups, is accepting applications for its first tech accelerator.
The free and virtual 10-week program, funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, is for tech startups located in Oregon or Washington state.
Devon Horace, director of the RAIN Tech Accelerator, said the program is accepting 50 applicants, and is encouraging underserved women and BIPOC founders and rural-based startups to apply.
Startups and ideas can be from a wide range of tech disciplines, including ag-tech, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, bio tech, clean/green tech, cloud computing, cybersecurity, robotics and more.
Horace, who previously worked in tech at Nike and with the Portland Trail Blazers, is founder of Horace Consulting and a principal with Portland Seed Fund. He said the main goal of the accelerator is to provide resources and support from industry experts and founders.
“We want to help increase the representation in the tech startup industry while fostering the growth of tech companies that redefine our future,” Horace said.
RAIN (Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network) has a number of other accelerators, and since 2014 has been invited to serve 52 communities in Oregon and Washington, plus four cities in Pakistan, to help them build inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and innovation economies.
The deadline to apply for the tech accelerator is March 14.
