MIT and Harvard alumni collaborate to launch Web3 Startup Accelerator

adminMarch 12, 2024

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Alumni from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Harvard have come together to start a new startup accelerator. We specifically aim to support early-stage startups in the web3 space who are associated with one of these prestigious institutions. This initiative, named the MIT x Harvard Blockchain Accelerator, stands out for being a non-dilutive program. This means that we do not pursue equity among the startups we support. Sam Lehman, a key figure in the accelerator, emphasized, “We are only focused on mentoring and have no intention of providing immediate investments or grants.”

The accelerator is led by a core team of contributors, including Sam Lehman, Luke Xie, and Hannah Shen from MIT and Liang Wu from Harvard. They are supported by a group of founding mentors who are all connected to the institution. This stellar lineup includes Tieshun Roquerre, the brains behind NFT marketplace Blur and Ethereum Layer 2 Blast. Keone Hon and Eunice Giarta, the duo behind layer-1 blockchain developer Monad Labs; Kenny Li, co-founder of layer 2 network Manta; Mirza Uddin leads business development at Injective Labs, known for its Cosmos-based layer 1 blockchain network.

The accelerator also boasts mentors from renowned cryptocurrency companies such as a16z, Avalanche, Dragonfly, Galaxy Digital, Nascent, and Polygon. However, Lehman pointed out, “Due to each company’s policy, identities cannot be disclosed.”

Participate in accelerator program

To qualify for the accelerator, a startup must have at least one team member with an affiliation with MIT or Harvard, such as a student, graduate, faculty member, researcher, or employee. These criteria ensure a strong link between the accelerator and its underlying institutions.

Strengthens the MIT and Harvard alumni network and the broader Cambridge cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The first cohort of the MIT x Harvard Blockchain Accelerator is scheduled to begin next month and conclude in June. The application process is currently open, and the final selection of participants will be determined by key contributors in collaboration with student club leaders at both institutions. “Our goal is to strengthen the MIT and Harvard alumni networks as well as the broader Cambridge crypto ecosystem,” Lehman said.

It is worth noting that Lehman also plays a major role in Beacon, another accelerator launched in 2022 by Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal. However, he is confident that the MIT x Harvard blockchain accelerator operates independently of the Beacon operation. In a similar vein, Luke Xie’s participation in Press Start Capital, a fellowship program for cryptocurrency startups, differs from his role at the accelerator.

Harvard is a strong supporter of blockchain and recently announced that it will be organizing its third annual event. Harvard Blockchain Conference

Tickets for the 3rd Harvard Blockchain Conference are on sale now!
🗓️ Saturday-Sunday, April 13-14
😀 Harvard University Northwest Building
🖊️ Sign up here: https://t.co/p2aNRTH0OY
Free student tickets (with .edu) and early bird pricing are only $20.
— Harvard Blockchain (@HBSCryptoClub) February 25, 2024

Stanford University also has a blockchain accelerator with a similar approach that has successfully launched companies such as Modulus Labs, Nocturne, Zero Gravity, and Caldera.