County Announces Plan to Convert Element 46 into Vibrant Tech Accelerator

Westchester County’s Element 46 Program is getting big boost. This week the County Office of Economic Development announced a partnership with leading accelerator group Cela Innovation to amplify and enhance the Element 46 incubator program. The new program will be known as the Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela.

The Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela will curate a network of investors and successful entrepreneurs specifically committed to mentoring the startups accepted into the program. It will accept up to 10 startups based in Westchester per cohort for a 10-week program with curriculum, pitch events, press opportunities, and special technology and corporate partnerships for chosen teams.

The program promises multiple advantages to startups selected for the cohort including: mentorship from active investors, subject matter experts and exited entrepreneurs; support on developing customers and making first sales; establishing a sustainable business model that can create immediate revenue as well as scalable revenue levels; access to thought leaders in cutting edge technologies and high growth tactics; and, connections to powerful corporate and institutional allies. Each cohort will culminate with a Pitch Day showcasing the startup participants to Westchester County’s investor community.

“Westchester County is home to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and startups. Our partnership with Cela is a bold step towards strengthening our technology ecosystem. This new accelerator program will allow us to support tech entrepreneurs as they hone their offerings, scale their ventures and seek investors,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County Director of Economic Development, said: “The Element 46 Tech Accelerator Powered by Cela will create opportunities for investment, job creation and support the growth of technology companies. The revamped program is designed to attract existing startup businesses, inspire the incorporation of new startups, and enable sales opportunities for participating startups. This is a very robust program and reflects the depth of expertise and offerings that our startup community needs in order to scale and attract investors.”

Tech startups in Westchester County interested in applying should email Deborah Novick, Westchester Director for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, at info@element46.org.