Welcome to
the Headstream
Accelerator!
The impact of our work
Through the Accelerator, we have supported products from over 50 entrepreneurs, reaching more than 10 million users and raising more than $20 million to advance culturally competent solutions addressing youth's mental well-being
Our business model has changed dramatically since the accelerator program started due to feedback from the youth co-creation club, early testing, and interactions with cohort members. We've expanded the vision to serve more as a middle-man for the aggregation of 3rd spaces rather than attempt to create our own.
Headstream’s community is amazing! I appreciated how much the other founders came to share authentically. I also really liked the coaching session on founder wellness
We are rebuilding the whole website based off lots of great feedback from the youth co-creators. We also realized our marketing language need to shift significantly to build better communication.
Our Alumni have received investments from:
Apply Today and JOIN THE HEADSTREAM ACCELERATOR IN 2025!
What you NEed to Know
Get the tools, resources, and support to thrive
- Financial Support: $30,000 non-dilutive stipend to support your participation
- Youth Co-Creator Collaboration: Partner with Headstream’s Youth Co-Creator Club to gain invaluable insights on cultural relevance, age-appropriateness, and user experience, ensuring your solutions resonate deeply and effectively with the next generation
- Advisor Network: Connect with various expert advisors across multiple industries and receive guidance, resources, and support in navigating your entrepreneurial journey
- Investor Readiness: Engage with potential investors and capital providers
- Community Building: Build lasting relationships with dedicated entrepreneurs, experts, and advisors to support your well-being beyond the program
- Founder Well-being: Headstream is a proud signatory of the Founder Mental Health Pledge and recognizes the many sacrifices founders make in doing this important work. Through our program, get access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions with our well-being partner, FounderWell.
Who should apply?
The Headstream Accelerator is ideal for innovations that aim to positively impact youth mental well-being, especially BIPOC, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Our work is primarily on solutions within the education & healthcare markets but we encourage and welcome all impactful digital solutions to apply.
We strive to drive innovations that address the diverse needs of young people by reaching them where they are at, whether that is directly, through schools, healthcare providers or community members. Learn more about some of our Headstream Accelerator alumni and their innovations:
- Backpack Healthcare | Founder Hafeezah Muhammad
- Inpathy | Founder Ziarekenya Smith
- Local Civics | Founder Beverly León
- Astro Studios | Co-Founders Gael Aitor and Kayla Suarez
- Legends | Founder Sonny Caberwal
- Clymb | Founder Ashley Williams
For more information, check out our alumni cohort!
Selection Criteria
A panel of experts including teens, technologists, investors, educators, and well-being specialists will evaluate the applicants using the following criteria:
- Positive Impact on Youth Mental Wellbeing: Your product should be focused on positively impacting youth mental well-being, with a primary emphasis on reaching the education and healthcare markets.
- Youth Focus: The Headstream Accelerator is open to all applicants with tech-based solutions geared towards supporting young people in the U.S. We have a particular interest in innovations aimed at teenagers (aged 13-19), but we also welcome solutions for pre-teen or older college-aged youth.
- Inclusivity: Your product should already be reaching or have the potential to reach BIPOC, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ youth, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Tech-Based: The Headstream Accelerator is open to all applicants with tech-based solutions focused on supporting young people and their support systems with a focus on education and healthcare in the U.S.
- Primary Market - United States: The U.S. is the primary market of focus. International applicants with a presence in the U.S. are still eligible to apply.
- Diverse Respondents: Academics, companies, entrepreneurs, inventors, organizations, research institutions, national laboratories, government agencies, social enterprises, and funders are welcome to apply.
- Innovation Stages: Whether you have a functional prototype, a market-ready product, or an established solution, we encourage you to apply. We do not consider submissions that are solely theoretical designs or limited to ideas on paper will not be considered. Applicants ready to be supported by industry partners or ready to scale will receive the most benefit from the Headstream Accelerator
- Sustainable Funding Model: Your plans should outline a revenue-driven, sustainable business model. This model will be evaluated by the Headstream team and our network of advisors who actively participate as applicant evaluators. Academics, companies, entrepreneurs, inventors, organizations, research institutions, national laboratories, government agencies, social enterprises, and funders are welcome to apply. For-profit startups will benefit the most from the Accelerator, but other entities are eligible to apply as long as they have a sustainable funding model.
Participants Expectations
- Full Participation: Actively engage in all cohort calls, youth co-creation sessions, events, and program activities including an in-person multi-day kickoff at the end of February 2025 and a virtual closing summit at the end of the program
- Weekly Commitment: 2-5 hours per week on average–activities include virtual cohort calls, collaboration with the Youth Co-Creator Club, advisor office hours, and Headstream guide calls
- Youth Co-Creation: Integrate youth voices throughout your product lifecycle and understand the significant impact your innovations can have on their lives and experiences
Timeline 2025
Opens
Closes
Selection
Starts
How to Get Involved
Apply now to be a part of the Headstream Accelerator. Together we can shape a just and inclusive economy built around enriching digital spaces and experiences for all youth.
Apply HereExpand your impact and connect with us!
Partner With UsFAQ
Do I need prior experience to participate?
No prior experience is needed. All we ask is that you bring your unique perspective, creativity, and willingness to learn. Whether you’re new to co-design or already interested in innovation and technology, this program is designed to meet you where you are.
What can I expect after submitting my application?
After you submit your application by March 16th, 2025, we will review it and notify selected candidates for interviews. All applicants for the Accelerator will receive a status update by May 30th.
When will I get the stipend?
Each innovator will receive a $30,000 stipend for their active participation in the 5-month program. The stipend is provided to support your commitment and contributions to the co-creation process. You will receive it at the end of the program.
Is my business required to be generating revenue to qualify for the program?
No, your business does not need to be generating revenue to qualify. Applicants must demonstrate a sustainable funding model, a clear plan for revenue generation, and at least a functional prototype. While revenue is beneficial, we prioritize your venture's potential for growth, impact, and innovation.
Are nonprofit organizations eligible to apply for the program?
For-profit startups will benefit the most from the Headstream Accelerator, but other entities are eligible to apply as long as they have a sustainable funding model.
Are part-time entrepreneurs, solo founders, or applicants without a team eligible to apply?
Yes, part-time entrepreneurs and solo founders are welcome to apply. While most solo founders have a team or work with contractors, we understand that team structures can vary. We encourage applicants to have at least some support, whether through a core team or external collaborators, to ensure success in the program.
