Equalize Startups 2027 Cohort

About

A six-month program helps women academic innovators move research toward commercialization through training, mentorship, networking and a June pitch event, with applications open from 14 September to 13 November 2026.

Benefits

• 🎓Expert training
  Selected Equalizers receive education and business training sessions covering topics such as intellectual property, financials, fundraising, and pitch development
• 🧑‍🏫 Personalized mentoring
  Each selected Equalizer is matched with a field-specific mentor
• 🤝Networking
  Selected Equalizers gain access to peer cohort sessions, an in-person Experiential Learning Day in Cambridge, MA, and networks of entrepreneurs and investors
• 🎤Pitch experience
  Selected Equalizers participate in the Culmination Pitch Event, usually in the second half of June, including a 10-minute pitch to entrepreneurs, investors, university tech transfer professionals, and supporters
• 💸Cost-free participation
  Participation is completely cost-free for those selected as Equalizers
• ✈️ Travel costs covered
  Equalize covers travel costs for the on-site experiential learning and networking day in Cambridge, MA

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a woman academic innovator
• Must hold an academic appointment (tenured, tenure-track, or research) or a postdoc or graduate student position at an academic research institution
• Must have a pending or issued patent or copyright from that academic research institution that is the basis for the potential startup
• Must have received less than $1M in dilutive funding for the startup
• Must be less than five years from clinic or product launch
• An established startup is not required to apply

Participation Commitments

• Applications for Equalize 2027 are open from 14 September 2026 to 13 November 2026
• Equalizers are announced in December
• Virtual mentoring and training sessions commence the following January
• Participants must have a minimum 1-hour call per month with the matched mentor
• Participants must be responsive to mentor feedback when provided by email
• Participants must be receptive to advice provided from the mentor
• Participants must participate in all-Equalizer calls to network, share advice and provide feedback
• Participants must participate in Education Sessions, with recordings and decks available if timing does not work out
• Participants must participate in the on-site experiential learning and networking day in Cambridge, MA, with Equalize covering travel costs
• Participants must participate in the final pitch day virtual event, including providing a 10-minute pitch, usually in the second half of June
• Participation is completely cost-free for selected Equalizers; no participation fee is stated

Target Region

Geographic eligibility is not publicly stated and should be confirmed before applying.

Target Sector

Healthcare & Life Sciences, Other