Accelerate
For Serious Growth-Minded Tech Entrepreneurs in Georgia
ATDC Accelerate is Georgia’s premier startup accelerator program designed for technology-related companies ready to take the next step. As a leading business accelerator, we provide the resources, mentorship, and connections you need to scale efficiently and attract investment and top talent.
ATDC Accelerate bridges the gap between MVP and product-market fit. This program is tailored for startups that have validated their business model and are preparing to expand operations, grow revenue, and secure funding.
Apply to ATDC Accelerate to find the human, financial, physical, and technological resources you need to move confidently into your company’s next phase.
Startup Accelerator Program: Your Path to Scaling Faster
ATDC: Where Startups Gain Their Edge
For more than four decades, ATDC has helped transform ideas into thriving companies through a unique public-private partnership between Georgia Tech and leading corporate sponsors. Our approach combines expert coaching, a robust curriculum, and a powerful network of connections to give founders the tools they need to succeed.
Today, ATDC supports more than 150 portfolio companies across diverse technology sectors. Each year, we graduate an average of 8–10 high-growth startups, and in 2025, we celebrated our largest class ever with 17 graduates.
Best of all? We take zero equity in your business. That means our advice is unbiased, our commitment is genuine, and our only goal is your success.
The ATDC Advantage: Our Six C's for Your Success
Coaching
Work with highly specialized coaches who provide individualized guidance to help you navigate every stage of your startup journey.
Capacity
Tap into a vast talent pool and resources to build a world-class team and scale your operations effectively.
Capital
Gain support in securing venture capital and nondilutive funding sources to fuel your growth.
Corporate Connections
Access tailored pilot opportunities and partnerships through our corporate innovation team, opening doors to enterprise-level customers.
Community
Join an expansive network of tech founders, mentors, and peers who share knowledge, experience, and connections.
Curriculum
Leverage world-class facilities and ecosystem-wide programming designed to accelerate your learning and execution.
Criteria for Accelerate Level
ATDC Accelerate is for early-stage companies with at least one full-time and one part-time employee, that have developed a minimal viable product (MVP), and have begun refining product-market fit.
Requirements
- Minimum 1 full-time and 1 part-time employee
- A MVP - Minimum Viable Product - in beta or market
- Initial revenue or other proven traction
- Scalable business model in a sizable market
- Registered to do business in Georgia
Benefits
- Education & Regular Mentorship with a practice area catalyst who possess deep industry knowledge of the vertical
- Access to Talent pools, Investor Support Services & Corporate Innovation Teams through our Connect Programs
- Regular Special Events offering ecosystem networking
- Access to centrally located, affordable office and co-working space inside the vibrant Tech Square in midtown Atlanta
- Credits and perks from the ATDC Marketplace such as Amazon, Google, and others
Questions about the Accelerate Program
Do I need to be a technology company to join Accelerate?
Yes. All ATDC Accelerate companies must have a tech-related aspect in order to join the program. If your company is not a technology-related company, you are able to take classes through ATDC’s Educate Program.
Is there an application deadline for the Accelerate Program?
There is no specific application deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed as they are received. Our team conducts additional due diligence, including meetings with founders, to assess program fit, readiness, and alignment with Accelerate’s product market fit-stage focus.
Does ATDC provide funding to Accelerate companies?
ATDC does not provide direct funding to portfolio companies. However, we support founders in preparing for fundraising through targeted resources, expert guidance, and introductions to potential investors and funding partners when appropriate.
How long does the Accelerate Program last?
ATDC is an incubator and long-term home for startups, so participation in the Accelerate Program is not time-bound. Companies remain in Accelerate until they demonstrate the metrics, traction, and readiness to progress to our Signature Program. On average, companies participate in Accelerate for 1–3 years.
What will best prepare me for the Accelerate Program?
To best prepare for the Accelerate Program, we recommend completing meaningful customer discovery and developing a strong understanding of the problem you are solving before applying. Founders can also take advantage of the ATDC Educate Program, which offers classes and resources designed to help startups build a solid foundation and prepare for Accelerate.
Do I have to be a Georgia-based company to apply to the Accelerate Program?
Yes. While your company may be incorporated in another state, it must be registered to do business in Georgia. Additionally, at least one founder must be based in Georgia and committed to growing a strong local presence. ATDC works with companies across the entire state, not just in Atlanta.
Do I have to be on site at ATDC’s offices to participate in the Accelerate Program?
No. We support companies throughout Georgia and offer many classes and resources through virtual platforms. For Atlanta-based companies, flexible office space is available as a benefit of participation, but it is not required to be part of the Accelerate Program.
Is there a cost to participate in the Accelerate Program?
Accelerate companies are charged a $300 membership fee per quarter.
Is Accelerate the Right Fit For Me?
Check out our interactive tool to determine if the Accelerate program or one of our other programs is the right fit for you.
Resources for Accelerate Portfolio Members
The People and Stories that Power ATDC
Read About Our Startup Success
Learn From Our Team Of Experts
Meet the ATDC Member Companies
Active ATDC Member Companies
Our portfolio member companies are past the idea stage, with a real product (MVP) and early customers, and are poised for rapid scaling.
ATDC Alumni
Graduating companies must hit significant business milestones, such as generating substantial annualized revenue (often $5M+), proving a scalable model, securing growth financing, or getting acquired, alongside having a strong founder team and product in market. It’s about demonstrating real traction and viability.
ATDC Unicorn Companies
Be Where the Action Is. Rent Space at ATDC.
ATDC offers premium office space designed to meet all your business needs with flexible lease terms.
Features
- 50+ office suites ranging from 500 to 1,500 sq ft
- 10 single and double offices ranging from 138 to 597 sq ft
- Subsidized rent, which also covers utilities, Georgia Tech’s high-speed wireless internet, office furniture, company logo on suite door
- Ability to book conference rooms and rooftop area at no additional charge
- Georgia Tech perks, including access to campus transit, dining facilities, sporting events, discounted rates at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, and the opportunity to join the Campus Recreation Center.
Benefits
- Be around like-minded people
- Have your catalyst close by
- Tap into Georgia Tech students, faculty, and researchers
- Engage with technology-related talent
- Limited access to ATDC spaces, such the design studio and AI lab
ATDC In Action
What We Do for Startups
We equip serious, growth-minded, tech entrepreneurs in Georgia to transform their ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses.
ATDC is Georgia’s statewide innovation hub and startup incubator. We provide deep industry expertise, hands-on coaching, funding and talent connections, and proven economic and workforce impact that supports and inspires entrepreneurs and drives Georgia’s innovation economy forward.
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