A total of twenty-four startups have been accepted into the fall cohort of the eLab student startup accelerator, with 13 set to move forward into the spring cohort. These startups have made impressive strides in validating their concepts and honing their business strategies.

The eLab program has proven invaluable for numerous student ventures, many of which have successfully raised funds, launched innovative products, and achieved significant growth or exits. Notably, Response, founded by Keivan Shahida ’20 from the 2019 cohort, recently secured $4 million in seed funding. Additionally, eLab 2024 alumni GradeWiz, established by Max Bohun ’25 and Aman Garg ’25, have been accepted into Y Combinator’s winter ’25 batch.

The startups advancing to the spring semester have undergone rigorous entrepreneurial training, which includes feasibility studies, business model development, and mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.

“We joined eLab to help grow CRIT by being in an environment of other entrepreneurs. We know that having access to mentors who have built companies before, dealt with fundraising, scaling, marketing, and any of the other aspects of starting a business that we are in the middle of figuring out will put us in a better position to become the company we know we can be,” shared Damon Hollenbeck ’25, founder of CRIT, a platform that offers technical feedback for artists.

During the fall, participants engaged in boot camps and refined their business strategies. Even those who did not advance to the spring cohort gained valuable insights through workshops and personalized guidance from Entrepreneurs in Residence, aiding students in refining their ideas and exploring new avenues.

“It was a rewarding experience working with the teams in the fall. They have a passion for entrepreneurship, and it’s been great seeing their progress from the fall to spring semester,” remarked Ken Rother, managing director of eLab and lecturer at the SC Johnson College of Business.

For the 13 teams that are moving forward, the spring semester will focus on enhancing their business models, building networks, and preparing for potential venture capital investment. They will have chances to present their concepts and progress to prospective investors and the Cornell entrepreneurial community. Notably, there will be a West Coast event titled “Cornell Silicon Valley presents: Student Startup Showcase,” scheduled for March 27 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. PT at the Autodesk Gallery in San Francisco.

“These events provide fantastic platforms for them to highlight their businesses and fine-tune their pitches. Networking at these gatherings allows them to forge connections and begin promoting their upcoming ventures,” Rother remarked.

Additionally, eLab student entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses during eLab Demo Day on Thursday, April 10 at 4:30 p.m. ET, as part of the Entrepreneurship at Cornell Celebration Ezra.