R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator
Announcing the R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator powered by Techstars, the first-ever accelerator program to bring together world-class design and marketing with hardware, data, and digital services.
The R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator is a three-month, immersive, mentor-driven program for ten tech startups. Show us how you combine hardware, data, digital services, and innovative design—anything that adds to the ever-growing Internet of Things—and your company could go from startup to success story.
See the Press Release
What are connected devices?
The Internet has spilled out beyond the standard screens we have grown accustomed to, extending out into devices, objects, and hardware. This isn’t a passing fad, but a trend that is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives. The R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator taps into the emerging class of products that combine hardware, data, and digital services in compelling ways for end users and businesses. This mega trend, also called “Internet of Things”, includes new product categories, such as wearable tech, but also new takes on traditional products like home automation, health & fitness, music listening, and more.
How does it work?
Ten companies are chosen to participate and incubate for three months, building products and/or services in the connected devices space. Each company gets the following tools and support:
- Up to $120,000
- Co-location space provided by R/GA in New York
- Design and development support from experienced R/GA designers and developers who’ve built connected devices and services.
- Mentor sessions with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and influencers
- Access to prototyping equipment, which includes Makerbot printers
- Invite-only launch presentation event in Austin, TX at SxSWi 2014
- Demo Day presentation to angel investors, select R/GA clients, and media in New York
Who should apply?
Any technology-powered startup around the world with an innovative idea for a product or service in the connected devices space. Your product can be hardware or software, but it should help bring together the physical with digital.
Here are a few examples, but you don’t have to fall into one of these categories to apply:
- Wearable technology – medical devices, movement tracking, electronic clothing, etc.
- Sensor-driven devices and networks
- New business models leveraging 3D printing and software
- Products and services for the home – automation, monitoring, digitally–enhanced kitchens and living rooms, etc.
- Products to help you care for parents, kids, pets or plants
- Toys that use digital to encourage real-world play
- Socially enabled products and services focused on achieving personal goals
- Physical products that interact with a person’s smartphone
- Services to improve development and creation of connected devices
If it’s an innovative idea that is in the connected devices space, then we want to hear about it.
What's
the timeline?
-
Aug 19
Applications
open -
Oct 11
Applications
deadline -
Nov 8
Finalists
notified -
Dec 2
Program
begins -
Mar 8
Showcase
at SXSWi 2014 -
Mar 18
Demo Day
in NYC