UMD Blockchain Accelerator

The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business is launching a blockchain accelerator. Led by the Smith School’s Supply Chain Management Center and the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, the accelerator brings together the university’s best capabilities in computer science, engineering and business. The business implications of blockchain are perhaps as impactful as the internet itself was 20 years ago. Blockchain harnesses advances in computing, peer-to-peer networks and cryptography to allow the transaction of digital assets without the need for a third party guarantor. The blockchain accelerator will help early-stage companies from around the country access content and mentorship to systematically advance their businesses. Entirely virtual, accelerator will leverage the FounderTrac platform. The 45-day program will culminate in a Demo Day where the participating companies will have an opportunity to pitch to investors. Because there is no cost or equity taken the applications will be highly competitive for a limited number of seats. Participating startups will get the following benefits: Access to top industry mentors --A Demo Day with the Dingman Center Angel Group and other Angels and VCs --FounderTrac’s online collaborative company building platform --Access to the Founder Focus Assessment™ algorithm with startup risk readout --Access to ‘Sherpa’ mentoring and advisory network --Work sessions with professional templates, worksheets, and examples --Small group coaching facilitated by subject matter experts and elite founders/executives --Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions led by subject matter experts and elite founders/executives --Virtual events including kick-off & Demo Day benefiting from expert production and publicity