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Bounce Innovation Hub

Great things happen here. We fuel the entrepreneurial journey with cutting-edge programming, dynamic workspace and comprehensive support.

Akron, OH, USA

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Application Deadline
02/19/2026 12:00 PM

Description

Bounce Innovation Hub is Akron, Ohio’s central hub for entrepreneurship, providing office and lab space, mentorship, and structured acceleration programs across high-growth technology sectors.
  • Early Stage & Seed: Primarily targets startups at the pre-revenue or early revenue stages.
  • Growth Potential: Focuses on companies with high growth potential specifically in software, healthcare (HealthTech), and advanced materials.
  • Method: Applicants apply via the Bounce Innovation Hub application portal.
  • Requirements: Documentation includes a pitch deck or executive summary, descriptions of products/services, and a vision for the next 5–10 years. Specialized tracks like Synthe6 or Software may require detailed product roadmaps and go-to-market strategies. 

Pitch Competition and Deadline (2026)
  • I-Pitch Competition: Scheduled for February 19, 2026, featuring top I-Corps participants competing for prize money.
  • MORTAR at Bounce: The "Life's a Pitch" competition for Cohort 12 is scheduled for May 14, 2026, with a top prize of $3,000.
  • Ongoing Intake: While major cohorts have specific deadlines, Bounce typically accepts general incubator applications on a rolling basis. 

Eligibility

  • Sectors: Software, healthcare, manufacturing, polymers, and materials science.
  • Geography: Primarily serves startups in Northeast Ohio, though it attracts companies to its 300,000-square-foot Akron facility.
  • Readiness: Ideal candidates for accelerators usually have lab-tested technology or prototype-level technology. 

Process

  1. Online Application: Founders submit company details and product stage.
  2. Screening & Interview: Selected applicants typically participate in an interview or preliminary pitch session.
  3. Cohort Program: Accepted companies enter structured tracks (e.g., 12-month Synthe6 or ongoing Flywheel software support).
  4. Mentorship: Startups are paired with entrepreneurs-in-residence and subject matter experts for technical validation and commercialization training.
  5. Pitch Events: Programs often culminate in a public demo or pitch competition for prizes. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

  • Facilities: Access to coworking areas ("The Generator"), dedicated office space, and specialized wet laboratories or light manufacturing space.
  • Capital & Grants: Facilitated access to grant funding (e.g., via the Synthe6 track) and the upcoming Fusion Fund, a $20 million seed fund for software-based entrepreneurs.
  • Clinical/Industry Access: Through the Kinetic network, startups can connect with clinicians from regional hospital systems.