Robin Hood’s Blue Ridge Labs is accepting applications for its 2027 Catalyst cohort, a 16-week accelerator for pre-seed tech startups and early-stage tech nonprofits that serve low-income New Yorkers and Americans. Selected ventures receive $100,000 (an investment for for-profits, a grant for nonprofits). Applications close on 13 November 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. For social entrepreneurs building tech with a working product, this is a funded route into a New York network.
At a glance
| Deadline | 13 November 2026, 11:59 PM ET |
| Who can apply | Solo founders and small teams with a working product or MVP and early traction; pre-seed ventures and early-stage tech nonprofits |
| Funding | $100,000 investment for for-profit ventures, a grant for nonprofits |
| Format | 16 weeks, February to June 2027, at Blue Ridge Labs in Union Square, New York City |
| Cost to apply | No fee is mentioned |
| Official page | robinhood.org/our-work/blue-ridge-labs/catalyst |
Who can apply to Catalyst?
Robin Hood describes Catalyst as a small accelerator for ventures expanding economic mobility. Its stated criteria:
- Scalable tech solutions with an MVP and some traction, serving low-income New Yorkers and Americans.
- Solo founders or small teams, with applications open to people across the U.S.
- Total revenue of no more than $150,000 in any 12-month period.
- No more than $500,000 raised, excluding grants.
- Founders who can build the product themselves, which usually means a technical cofounder.
- Incorporation is not required to apply, but receiving funding depends on incorporating.
Focus areas listed on the page are AI for good, edtech, housing, food security, future of work, health and public benefits. Previous accelerator participation and existing funding are allowed within the limits above.
What do you get?
- $100,000 in investment for for-profit ventures. The official FAQ describes it as a SAFE, and nonprofits receive a grant instead (no separate grant amount is published).
- Coaching in finance, product, sales and marketing, and engineering.
- One-on-one sessions through the Design Insight Group.
- Weekly workshops, founder lunches and a group trip to SXSW in the first phase.
- A demo day with investors and partners, and support after graduation, including introductions to investors, mentors and partners.
Participants must sign the Catalyst Program Agreement to receive funding. Two days a week in person at Blue Ridge Labs are compulsory, according to the official FAQ.
How to apply
- Read the Catalyst page and the official FAQ.
- Submit the application form linked from the Catalyst page by 13 November 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
- If invited, attend an interview. Feedback is given only to applicants who are interviewed.
- A judging panel reviews applications. No connection to Robin Hood is required.
Key dates: Phase 1 runs for 10 weeks from February to March 2027, and Phase 2 runs for 6 weeks from April to June 2027, ending with a demo day.
Advice from the Impact DOTS team
- Check the numbers first. The revenue cap ($150,000 in any 12 months) and the fundraising cap ($500,000 excluding grants) are hard limits in Robin Hood’s criteria.
- Show who the product serves. The programme is built around low-income New Yorkers and Americans, so name that group and describe how your users reach you.
- Bring evidence of traction, not a plan. Robin Hood asks for a working product and early traction, so lead with usage data you can stand behind.
- Confirm you can build in-house. The page expects founders who can build the product, so say who writes the code.
- Plan for the in-person requirement. Two days a week in Union Square is compulsory, so settle logistics before you apply.
FAQ
The official pages do not mention an application fee.
Yes. Solo founders and small teams may apply, provided the product can be built by the team.
Not to apply. Incorporation is required to receive Robin Hood funding.
The FAQ says relocation is not required, but two days a week in person at Blue Ridge Labs in New York City are compulsory during the programme.
