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If you have an idea to improve the quality of life in our community, apply to take part in an immersive experience that helps you sharpen your pitch and connects you with other changemakers who can help you launch it to create meaningful impact.
GET EVENT DETAILS > | VIEW THE APPLICATION GUIDE > | APPLY NOW >
Applications for Accelerate 2027 are open through October 31, 2026.
Three Ways to Accelerate
Accelerate offers three unique pathways to turn your ideas into impact.
- Core Accelerate
The Core Accelerate competition is comprised of four categories:
🌱 Climate & Energy
Developing innovative solutions for energy efficiency and collective climate action.SPONSORED BY
✍️ Education & Creativity
Advancing access, readiness, and creative expression for learners of all ages.
⚕️ Health & Well-being
Promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals and communities.
⚖️ Social Change
Increasing equity, access, and opportunities.SPONSORED BY
At The Prelims, a panel of community judges select one winner from each category. They will pitch at The Finals on February 25, 2027 at the House of Blues to hundreds of audience members who vote for the winner.
- Technovation
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Technovation is an additional optional opportunity for tech-driven ideas for social good in Cuyahoga County to win $3,500. Accelerate applicants whose idea includes a technology component can opt in to be considered for Technovation. Technovation submissions are reviewed by a separate panel and as such, applicants may be selected for Technovation alone, the Core Accelerate category alone, or both. If selected for both, presenters will pitch twice the night of The Prelims.
- Teen Accelerate
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A separate competition just for high school students hosted by the Young Entrepreneur Institute. Any high school student can apply to pitch an idea that would make a difference in their community. Ten finalists are selected to pitch in the Cambridge Room at the House of Blues on February 25, 2027.
Prizes:
- Grand Prize: $1,000 + mentor from partner organization
- Runner-Up: $500
- Remaining 8 Finalists: $250 each
All finalists must pitch on event day to receive their award.
Teen Accelerate participants’ journey is separate from Core Accelerate and Technovation Accelerate presenters. Details for Teen Accelerate, including the presenter journey and application guide, are available through Young Entrepreneur Institute.
The Journey Begins Now
Every journey starts with a single step. Take that step to start bringing your vision to life.
VIEW THE APPLICATION GUIDE > | VIEW A PDF OF THE APPLICATION> | APPLY NOW >
An independent panel of reviewers selects the pitches that will continue the journey based on community impact potential, innovation, and a realistic implementation plan. Core Accelerate and Technovation applicants are notified by December 1, 2026 if they are selected to pitch at The Prelims.
Destination #1: The Prelims
Hosted by:
Thursday, January 28, 2027
Cleveland Foundation (6601 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103)
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Your journey leads to a five-minute pitch, where a panel of community leaders selects one winner from each category to advance to The Finals.
Destination #2: The Finals
Thursday, February 25, 2027
House of Blues Cleveland, OH
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
All presenters are spotlighted on the main stage. Category winners pitch to hundreds of audience members who vote for the $5,000 grand prize winner. The remaining Finalists each receive $2,000.
The Road to The Prelims
Selected applicants receive guidance from expert coaches, fellow innovators, and community leaders who will help you bring your vision to life.
⛽ Fueling Station 1: Orientation & Pitch Power
Virtual Session for ALL presenters | Monday, December 14, 2026
Begin your journey by learning the terrain ahead:
- Learn what makes a compelling pitch
- Get delivery and storytelling tips
- Meet your fellow presenters
- Explore the full roadmap of the Accelerate experience
⛽ Fueling Station 2: Practice Run with Experienced Guides
In-person workshop for ALL presenters | Thursday, January 14, 2027
Shape your idea and your pitch:
- Gain hands-on pitch practice in a collaborative setting
- Receive personalized feedback from past presenters and mentors
- Build confidence, improve pitch clarity, and make professional connections
The Prelims
Hosted by:
In-person pitch competition | Thursday, January 28, 2027
Pitch your idea for a chance to become a Finalist and compete for the $5,000 grand prize.
The Road to The Finals
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Each category winner will be paired with a mentor who will provide 1:1 coaching, feedback, and guidance to help them deliver their strongest pitch on the big stage.
⛽ Fueling Station 1: Final polish with Detail Experts
In-person professional coaching workshop for Finalists | Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Polish your pitch to shine on the big stage:
- Work with a professional storytelling and communication specialist
- Explore diverse presentation approaches
- Receive personalized feedback on your unique value proposition
⛽ Fueling Station 2: Prepare for Takeoff
Virtual Session for ALL presenters | Tuesday, February 23, 2027
Get the details and clarity you need to be ready for the big stage. All presenters will be recognized on stage at the House of Blues and take part in the Presenter Showcase during the reception.
- Walk through the night from start to finish
- Get clarity on any remaining questions
The Finals
In-person pitch | Thursday, February 25, 2027
Pitch your idea on the main stage to hundreds of audience members who vote for the winner.
Teen Accelerate
Teen Accelerate takes place in the Cambridge Room where judges select the $1,000 Grand Prize and $500 Runner-Up. Winners receive their awards on the main stage.
Technovation Accelerate
The $3,500 Technovation winner, selected by a judge panel at The Prelims is announced on the main stage.
Applications for Accelerate 2027 are open through October 31, 2026.
Questions? Contact Angela O’Donnell (216-965-9640)