Bergh Summer Accelerator

Students participating in the Bergh Summer Accelerator will have the opportunity to work full-time on their venture during an intensive 8-week virtual accelerator program. Students will attend workshops, meet with external mentors, alumni, Lafayette faculty, and Dyer Center staff to achieve important milestones. Students are expected to have a prototype, a business model, and a final pitch. Students will participate in a demo day at the accelerator program’s end.

We’re looking for teams with promising ideas and the commitment to make meaningful progress over the course of an intensive 8-week program. Whether you’re building a for-profit venture, tackling a social or environmental challenge, developing a prototype, or testing a new concept, your project should be at a stage where focused time, structured support, and active mentorship will help you take your next big steps.

All students accepted into the BSA must be enrolled Lafayette students at the time of application. Graduating seniors may apply.

• You can, but we strongly encourage students to apply as a team. The program is intensive and collaborative, and most ventures benefit from having a small founding team to share the workload. Individual applications will be considered, but you should reach out to the Dyer Center at dyercenter@lafayette.edu to see if we can help you build a team.
• The BSA is limited to three (3) teams, with a maximum of nine (9) students between all teams. Priority is given to founding student teams of 2-3.

• The Bergh Summer Accelerator Program takes place over 8 Weeks during the summer. The program begins on June 1, 2026  and ends on July 31, 2026
• Students are expected to maintain availability for meetings during regular working hours.
  
• This should be the primary “employment” for all students participating and they should treat it like an internship.

Student stipend: Each student will receive a stipend of $3,000 paid in three equal installments: one at the start of the program, one at the mid-point, and one after successful completion. Failure to attend required events and provide deliverables will result in funds being withheld. 

Venture seed funding: Each team will receive a $1000 grant for seed funding for their venture. These funds are intended for customer discovery, prototype development, early customer acquisition, etc. These funds require the submission of a purchase request or receipts for funds dispersal. The use of these funds must be pre-approved by Dyer Center staff.

You’ll have access to:

• Mentorship from alumni and industry professionals
• Advising from Dyer Center staff and Lafayette faculty
• Workshops on key entrepreneurial topics
• Opportunities to connect with peers, experts, and potential collaborators

Students are expected to:

• Work full-time on their venture

• Students must attend all mandatory BSA workshops.
• Students must attend all scheduled meetings with mentors/advisors. 
• Students must make an earnest effort to achieve the agreed-upon milestones.