Zeroto510

Program Type: In-person
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Investment: $25,000 (additional $25,000 for companies setting up residence in Memphis)
Program Duration: 13 weeks
Stage: Early Stage (Idea, Prototype, Pre-seed)
Industry of Focus: MedTech, Healthcare

Key Highlights

Program Overview

The ZeroTo510 Accelerator is a Memphis-based program designed to support early-stage medical device and medtech founders aiming to commercialize their innovations. The program offers a rigorous 90-day intensive cohort with investment, mentorship, and a focus on FDA 510(K) clearance. Participants benefit from industry expertise, a vibrant network, and customized resources to accelerate toward market success.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Exclusion

The program encourages applications from highly motivated founders regardless of stage, although preference is given to those with intellectual property and prototypes.

Investment Details

• Phase I investment: $25,000 structured as a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE).
• Additional $25,000 available for companies with a physical presence in Memphis for at least 12 months.
• Participants are required to reserve 5% of equity for mentors and board members.
• $50,000 in services and perks provided to participants.

Benefits Details and Perks/Credits

• Customer discovery and business development guidance.
• Support in regulatory and reimbursement strategies.
• Access to FDA, design controls, product development, and quality management experts.
• Mentorship from experienced clinicians and entrepreneurs in the medtech space.
• Weekly alumni talks, monthly leadership workshops, and pitch guidance.
• Networking opportunities with alumni, funders, and advisors.
• Tailored curriculum covering practical skills like public speaking and co-founder collaboration.
• Structured milestones and investor update meetings.

Program Format

• Duration: 90-day cohort.
• 112 sessions held over a 13-week period addressing both technical and soft skills.
• Includes seminars, weekly meetings with managers, social gatherings, and pitch preparation.

Location or Relocation Requirements

• Relocation to Memphis is encouraged, with additional funding for maintaining a physical presence for 12 months.
• Companies must demonstrate a foothold connection to Memphis, such as clinical advisors, planned studies, or co-founder residency.

Cohort Size and Program Frequency

• Cohort size: 4–6 ventures per cohort.

Requirements Related to Users, Revenue, or LOIs:

• Extensive customer discovery and intellectual property filing preferred.
• Concept or prototype is required.

Post-Program Engagement

• Ongoing mentorship and access to Memphis’ medical device cluster network.
• Additional investment opportunities depending on milestone achievement.

Company Types Requirements

Startups with medical device or medtech concepts applicable for FDA 510(K) clearance or exemption, focusing on innovation and potential for commercialization.

Founding Team Preferences

• Preference is given to teams with more than one member to handle workload effectively.
• Founders are urged to ensure strong compatibility ("ATL test") among team members.
• Engineers with ideas are encouraged to collaborate with co-founders to strengthen applications.