Helping student businesses, startups, side-hustles, and ventures grow.

AccelerateRU is Rowan’s summer startup accelerator, designed to support student entrepreneurs from any major who are actively building and ready to take their venture to the next level. Since its launch in May 2018, AccelerateRU has funded dozens of student-led companies that have gone on to create meaningful real-world and economic impact.

Apply for the 2025 cohort by June 22, 2025

Accepted companies receive five key areas of support to help student ventures build real momentum:

1. Opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in non-equity seed funding
2. Access to mentors, coaches, and industry experts
3. Weekly virtual workshops with professional trainers
4. Keycard access to the RCIE and exclusive Founder Suite (BUSN 209A) with a private library, workspace, and complimentary snacks, drinks, coffee, and water
5. The chance to apply for additional funding through the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund (RIVF), Rowan's $25M fund for high-growth ventures

Program Expectations

Founders are expected to attend all six virtual workshops and both days of the in-person bootcamp. At least one member from the founding team must be in attendance to be eligible for program completion and seed funding. Virtual workshops will be held over Zoom, and participants are expected to have cameras on, engage fully, and maintain a professional presence throughout.

To apply for seed funding, each team must submit a preliminary use-of-funds budget for approval upon completion of the virtual workshops and in-person bootcamp. In addition, selected companies may be invited to present their progress to the Entrepreneurship Advisory Council during the upcoming fall or spring semester (dates TBD).

Program Schedule

AccelerateRU is designed for flexibility while maintaining structure. All workshops are held virtually to ensure accessibility for students who may be away during the summer months. The in-person bootcamp takes place the week before the Fall semester begins.

Participants will also be invited to schedule additional one-on-one mentorship sessions with the program facilitator and have access to a directory of experienced mentors by appointment.

Check StartupTree for the current corhort's dates and deadlines.

StartupRU Team

Jessica Vattima, Director, Rowan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Jessica (Wolk) Vattima is the Director of the Rowan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (RCIE) and an adjunct faculty member in the School of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. She leads one of the nation’s top-ranked university entrepreneurship centers, known for its inclusive, cross-campus programming. Drawing on her background with major media brands like MTV, Netflix, and Saturday Night Live, Vattima blends industry experience with academic insight to mentor student founders, many of whom have gone on to raise capital, win national competitions, and launch impactful startups.

Shawn Hill, Coach, AccelerateRU 

Shawn Hill is a seasoned investor, operator, and advisor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurship. A Rowan University alumnus ('98), he is Co-founder and Managing Partner at Garden State Venture Partners and a strategic advisor to the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund. Shawn also co-founded August Hill, a global advisory firm supporting venture-backed startups with capital strategy and growth execution. He serves on several startup boards and mentors founders through global VC networks.

Ernest Holtzheimer, Managing Director, Rowan Innovation Venture Fund

Ernest Holtzheimer is a corporate attorney and Member at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, based in the firm’s Philadelphia office. He advises businesses and individuals on a broad range of matters, including finance transactions, corporate structuring and compliance, securities regulation, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and angel investments, real estate, and technology. Since 2020, Mr. Holtzheimer has also served as Managing Director of Rowan University’s multi-million dollar Innovation Venture Fund, supporting high-growth startups across the region.

Who Can Apply?

Rowan students from all campuses and academic levels are encouraged to apply. Eligible applicants include:

• Spring 2025 graduates and alumni within the past 12 months

• Graduate students

• Students at RCBC, RCGC, or Rowan’s medical schools

• Faculty-student collaborative teams

Before applying, all participants must be individually registered on StartupTree, and the team’s venture must also be registered on the platform.

Selection & Funding Criteria

AccelerateRU uses a variable award structure, meaning funding is tailored based on your startup’s needs. A drone tech company and a product-based service business have different trajectories, and we account for that to right-size funding that supports your unique goals.

Final funding decisions are made after a full review of your application and proposed use of funds, in consultation with the program facilitator and RCIE leadership. All awards are subject to budget availability and require final approval from the Director of the Rowan Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Please note that ventures who have previously received funding may not be eligible for additional awards.

To Apply

Applications are open now via StartupTree. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Preliminary reviews will begin immediately, and acceptance notifications will be sent by Friday, June 27.

Questions?

Email us at rcie@rowan.edu. We’re happy to help you decide if AccelerateRU is the right fit for you.