Accelerate: A journey from idea to impact

If you have an idea to improve the quality of life in Northeast Ohio, apply to take part in an immersive experience that helps you develop your ideas and sharpen your pitch, and connects you with other changemakers who can help you launch it to create meaningful impact.

From application to pitch night, you’ll be guided by expert coaches, fellow innovators, and community leaders who will help you bring your vision to life.

GET ADDITIONAL EVENT DETAILS >

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The Journey Begins Now

Every journey starts with a single step. Take that step to start bringing your vision to life.

Applications will be open October 31 through December 5, 2025. See a pdf of the application >
NOTE: Proposed initiatives cannot be affiliated with an established organization or business.

An independent panel of reviewers selects the pitches that will continue the journey based on community impact potential, innovation, and a realistic implementation plan. Applicants are notified in mid-December if they are selected to pitch at the event.

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Three Ways to Accelerate
Accelerate offers three unique pathways to turn your ideas into impact.

• Core Accelerate

  The Core Accelerate competition is comprised of five categories:

  🎨 Arts & Culture
  Improving lives and spaces through arts and culture.

  🌱 Climate & Energy Innovation
  Developing innovative solutions for energy efficiency and collective climate action.

  📚 Education
  Advancing access, readiness, and success 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.

  The winner of each category, selected by a panel of community judges, pitches on the main stage to hundreds of audience members who vote for the winner.

• Teen Accelerate

  SPONSORED BY
  

  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 at Accelerate.

  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.

  Applications for Teen Accelerate will also be open from October 31 through December 5. Learn more >

• Technovation Accelerate

  SPONSORED BY
  
  

  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 also apply for Technovation. Applications are reviewed separately. Applicants may be selected for Technovation alone, the Core Accelerate category alone, or both. If selected for both, presenters will pitch twice prior to the final round at the event.

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The Three Fueling Stations Along the Way

⛽ Fueling Station 1: Orientation & Pitch Power

Virtual Session | Monday, January 12
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 | Tuesday, January 27
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

⛽ Fueling Station 3: Final preparations with Expert Navigators

In-person professional coaching workshop | Tuesday, February 10
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

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The Destination

📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026
📍Huntington Convention Center, Downtown Cleveland, OH
⏰ 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Your journey leads to your five-minute pitch before a distinguished panel of community leaders.

Core Accelerate

One finalist per category advances to the final round. The five finalists pitch on the main stage to hundreds of audience members who vote for the winner.

Teen Accelerate

The Teen Accelerate judges select the $1,000 Grand Prize and $500 Runner-Up winners who receive their awards on the main stage.

Technovation Accelerate

The Technovation judges select one $3,500 winner who is announced on the main stage.

Ready to Begin Your Journey? Mark your calendar! Applications open October 31-December 5, 2025

Questions? Contact Angela O’Donnell (216-965-9640)

SEE THE 2025 PRESENTERS, IDEAS + WINNERS >