Program Overview
Innovation Starts with Cyber Howard
The Cyber Howard Accelerator is an intensive 12-week program designed to help cybersecurity startups refine their products, establish market strategies and secure funding. Each cohort includes six to eight companies that receive hands-on support from a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) and industry mentors.
Program Focus Areas
Strategy and Growth
- Define clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Develop scalable business models and operational plans
- Identify market fit and competitive positioning
Go-to-Market Strategy
- Analyze total addressable market and customer segmentation
- Refine value propositions for government, commercial and defense markets
- Develop a structured go-to-market strategy, including pilot programs and customer outreach
Marketing and Sales
- Build targeted marketing campaigns for cybersecurity buyers
- Develop branding and content strategies to differentiate products
- Learn sales enablement techniques, including channel partnerships
Funding and Pitches
- Understand funding pathways, including venture capital and government contracts
- Participate in investor pitch preparation and feedback sessions
- Gain access to venture capital firms, angel investors and strategic partners
Product Development and Testing
- Receive support for product development, iteration and security validation
- Access testing environments, such as sandboxes and simulation labs
- Learn regulatory compliance processes for CMMC, FedRAMP and SOC 2
Networking and Collaboration
- Engage with industry leaders, government agencies and alumni
- Participate in peer collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the cohort
- Build long-term partnerships with key stakeholders
Mentorship and Support
The Cyber Howard Accelerator provides structured mentorship from experienced professionals in cybersecurity, business development and investment strategy. Each cohort is supported by:
- A dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) who offers strategic business guidance throughout the program
- Cybersecurity and technical mentors who help refine product security, compliance and technical validation
- Sales and go-to-market mentors who assist with federal procurement, corporate partnerships and customer acquisition
- Investment and funding mentors who provide coaching on pitch development, fundraising strategies and investor readiness
Mentors engage with startups through bi-weekly check-ins, specialized workshops and feedback sessions. They play a key role in evaluating companies’ progress and guiding them toward successful market entry.
Applications for the current cohort are now closed. Applications may still be submitted for consideration for the next cohort, anticipated to begin in early spring 2027.