Accelerator Application Cohort VI
The Headstream Accelerator supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in scaling digital solutions that improve the mental well-being of teens at risk, with a focus on the education and healthcare sectors. Our four-month, virtual-first program is designed for early-stage innovators, helping them strengthen their business models, refine their value propositions, and build the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
Benefits and Participant Expectations
Benefits:
- $30,000 non-dilutive stipend
- Partnership with youth from Headsteam’s Youth Co-Creator Club to gain insights on cultural relevance, age-appropriateness, and user experience, ensuring your solutions resonate deeply and effectively with the next generation
- Access to a network of expert advisors, connect with a community of founders, and engage with potential investors and capital providers
- Access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions with our partner, FounderWell
Participant Expectations:
- Attend all activities, including virtual cohort and youth co-creation sessions, advisor calls, and an in-person kickoff event from July 28–30, 2026
- Commit 2–5 hours weekly during the program, including virtual sessions, advisor network office hours, guide calls, and more
- Embed youth voices throughout your product development
Who should apply
We support early-stage digital solutions advancing youth mental well-being, especially those reaching historically excluded communities. If you have a working prototype, are preparing to launch, or are ready to scale, we encourage you to apply. Note: Idea-stage submissions are not eligible.
Learn more about our alumni here.
Timeline and Selection Criteria:
Required Selection Criteria
- Clear impact on youth mental well-being, ideally within or adjacent to education and healthcare
- Tech-enabled solutions designed to serve youth in the U.S. with a preference for particularly ages 13–19 (pre-teen and college-aged youth solutions are also eligible)
- Must have at least a functional prototype and a sustainable funding model
- Commitment to inclusivity
- U.S. market focus (international applicants with a U.S. presence eligible)
- Applicant types may include startups, social enterprises, research institutions, non-profits and more
Timeline
- Accelerator Application Opens: January 15, 2026
- Accelerator Application Closes: March 15, 2026
- Interviews: From May 22, 2026, to June 4, 2026
- New Cohort Notified: Week of June 15, 2026
- Virtual Program Start: Week of July 6, 2026
- In-Person Kickoff: July 28–30, 2026
- Program End: Week of November 2, 2026
Want to learn more? Join a Headstream Accelerator Virtual Info Session:
- Wednesday, 1/21 - January 1 pm PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aOV-hwwMRYqnzryVHoobzw
- Wednesday, 2/11 - Feb - 1 pm PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dFOIzC7xRPmPNUPBTQnc6w
- Wednesday, 3/11 - March 1 pm PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/41z9AiPqScyDa3QyE8FdUg
FAQ’S
See below for some frequently asked questions. For any additional questions, please contact accelerator@headstreaminnovation.com
- Do I need to be generating revenue? No. You just need a functional prototype, a sustainable funding model, and a clear growth plan.
- Are non-profits eligible? Yes, as long as they have a sustainable funding model. For-profit startups will benefit most.
- Can part-time entrepreneurs or solo founders apply? Yes. Having some support through collaborators or contractors is encouraged.
- When is the stipend provided? At the end of the 16-week program.
- Can I edit my application after submitting it? Submissions are final once the application period closes. Applicants may edit their submissions until the deadline.
- What happens after I apply? Applicants will be notified of their status week of June 15, 2026 and select applicants will be invited to interview.
Headstream Accelerator 2026
Accelerator Application Cohort VI
The Headstream Accelerator supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in scaling digital solutions that improve the mental well-being of teens at risk, with a focus on the education and healthcare sectors. Our four-month, virtual-first program is designed for early-stage innovators, helping them strengthen their business models, refine their value propositions, and build the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
Benefits and Participant Expectations
Benefits:
- $30,000 non-dilutive stipend
- Partnership with youth from Headsteam’s Youth Co-Creator Club to gain insights on cultural relevance, age-appropriateness, and user experience, ensuring your solutions resonate deeply and effectively with the next generation
- Access to a network of expert advisors, connect with a community of founders, and engage with potential investors and capital providers
- Access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions with our partner, FounderWell
Participant Expectations:
- Attend all activities, including virtual cohort and youth co-creation sessions, advisor calls, and an in-person kickoff event from July 28–30, 2026
- Commit 2–5 hours weekly during the program, including virtual sessions, advisor network office hours, guide calls, and more
- Embed youth voices throughout your product development
Who should apply
We support early-stage digital solutions advancing youth mental well-being, especially those reaching historically excluded communities. If you have a working prototype, are preparing to launch, or are ready to scale, we encourage you to apply. Note: Idea-stage submissions are not eligible.
Learn more about our alumni here.
Timeline and Selection Criteria:
Required Selection Criteria
- Clear impact on youth mental well-being, ideally within or adjacent to education and healthcare
- Tech-enabled solutions designed to serve youth in the U.S. with a preference for particularly ages 13–19 (pre-teen and college-aged youth solutions are also eligible)
- Must have at least a functional prototype and a sustainable funding model
- Commitment to inclusivity
- U.S. market focus (international applicants with a U.S. presence eligible)
- Applicant types may include startups, social enterprises, research institutions, non-profits and more
Timeline
- Accelerator Application Opens: January 15, 2026
- Accelerator Application Closes: March 15, 2026
- Interviews: From May 22, 2026, to June 4, 2026
- New Cohort Notified: Week of June 15, 2026
- Virtual Program Start: Week of July 6, 2026
- In-Person Kickoff: July 28–30, 2026
- Program End: Week of November 2, 2026
Want to learn more? Join a Headstream Accelerator Virtual Info Session:
- Wednesday, 1/21 - January 1 pm PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aOV-hwwMRYqnzryVHoobzw
- Wednesday, 2/11 - Feb - 1 pm PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dFOIzC7xRPmPNUPBTQnc6w
- Wednesday, 3/11 - March 1 pm PST: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/41z9AiPqScyDa3QyE8FdUg
FAQ’S
See below for some frequently asked questions. For any additional questions, please contact accelerator@headstreaminnovation.com
- Do I need to be generating revenue? No. You just need a functional prototype, a sustainable funding model, and a clear growth plan.
- Are non-profits eligible? Yes, as long as they have a sustainable funding model. For-profit startups will benefit most.
- Can part-time entrepreneurs or solo founders apply? Yes. Having some support through collaborators or contractors is encouraged.
- When is the stipend provided? At the end of the 16-week program.
- Can I edit my application after submitting it? Submissions are final once the application period closes. Applicants may edit their submissions until the deadline.
- What happens after I apply? Applicants will be notified of their status week of June 15, 2026 and select applicants will be invited to interview.