Westchester County’s Element 46 Tech Accelerator Now Accepting Applications for 11th Cohort

Westchester County’s Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by QUAY Acceleration is currently accepting applications for its spring 2026 cohort, which will begin in March. The competitive entry accelerator program, which is offered at no cost to Westchester County residents, features a powerful curriculum, connections to entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and full-time support from the Element 46 staff. The program will culminate with a Demo Day in June 2026, where each participant will have the opportunity to pitch their venture to a room full of investors, technology experts, press representatives, government officials, and other key contacts. Applications are due by March 4th.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “The Element 46 Tech Accelerator is a powerful program that helps entrepreneurs hone their vision and achieve meaningful growth. We are continuously impressed by the caliber of the ventures that apply and the diverse, tech-based industries where entrepreneurs are striving to make an impact. I encourage everyone from first-time founders to serial entrepreneurs to apply for the program’s spring cohort.”

Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “Westchester County’s Element 46 Tech Accelerator invests in the vibrant local startup community, offering tech innovators access to a robust combination of education and mentorship. Whether it’s a side hustle or your main business, Element 46 can help take it to the next level.”

Westchester County Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Deborah Novick said: “Westchester County is home to an innovative community of entrepreneurs working to solve complex business problems and strengthen their communities. Whether someone is developing an app, using AI to revolutionize processes, or leveraging tech for a different purpose, applying to Element 46 is a small step that can make a big impact on your venture’s trajectory.”

QUAY Acceleration Co-Founder, John Lynn, said: “The Element 46 Tech Accelerator is now an international symbol of how communities can come together behind an accelerator to amplify an entrepreneurial community. 87% of startups that have been through this program in the last 4 years are still in business. Two of the startups have been acquired - Adro (acquired by Finfare) and Augie Studio (acquired by JWX) - and others have received investor funding at international accelerator programs post-program. One alumni startup, Global Key Solutions (Fall 2024), just announced a full fundraise this January.”

Members of each Element 46 Tech Accelerator cohort are selected in a competitive, County-wide selection process. Up to 12 tech startups from across Westchester are chosen for each cohort and must feature committed founders with at least a prototype of their technology or tech-enabled product. In the past, selected startups have additionally been investor-backed, grant-funded, and/or revenue-generating operations. Applications for Spring 2026 will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interested parties must apply by March 4th to be considered for the cohort. Virtual info sessions, which are open to all potential applicants, will take place via Zoom, with the next scheduled for February 24th
at 4 PM. Those who are interested can RSVP here: https://www.element46.org/e46-accelerator-info-session.

In the program, each founder is matched with hand-picked mentors who are leaders in technology, finance, business strategy, venture capital, marketing, and other key areas. Participants also gain access to a world-class curriculum on fundraising, customer development, executive management, product iteration, branding, marketing, and more.

The Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by QUAY Acceleration runs for 10 weeks every spring and fall. This will be the seventh cohort produced in partnership with QUAY Acceleration, experts in tech accelerator programming and operations.

Additionally, the accelerator recently launched a new sponsorship program, which seeks partnerships with prominent organizations throughout the Westchester County business community to connect and support founders even further. Corporate leaders, service providers, and others are encouraged to reach out to Program Director Ariela Shai at ariela@quay.co.

To learn more about the Element 46 program, visit the Element 46 website.

About The Westchester County Office of Economic Development

The Westchester County Office of Economic Development works to improve the County’s economic well-being and quality of life. This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth and inclusive economy. For more information, visit the Westchester Catalyst website.