How to Get Accepted to HAX Accelerator

HAX Accelerator is the world’s first and most active pre-seed program focused on hard tech startups working on climate, industrial automation, and human health solutions. Founded under the SOSV venture fund umbrella, HAX offers hands-on engineering support, global facilities (including a 35,000-square-foot flagship in Newark), and an initial investment package. Its 250+ graduates have collectively raised close to $2 billion and are now valued at over $8 billion—making HAX a prime launchpad for founders tackling the world’s toughest physical and scientific challenges.

2. Hax Accelerator Overview

At HAX, founders embark on a collaborative residency that goes far beyond typical startup accelerators. You’ll work directly with in-house mechanical, electrical, and industrial engineering teams, as well as business development and marketing experts. From early prototyping to refining your go-to-market plan, HAX provides a tangible, workshop-centric environment where you can validate and iterate on complex hardware products. Throughout the program, you also tap into a global network, including offices in Shenzhen, San Francisco, Pune, and Tokyo, ensuring you’re connected to premier manufacturing and supply-chain ecosystems.

Key Highlights

• Hard Tech Focus: Robotics, sensors, IoT, advanced materials, biomanufacturing, and more
• Global Presence: Access facilities and local expertise in Newark, Shenzhen, Pune, San Francisco, and Tokyo
• Community Support: Ongoing guidance from mentors, HAX founders, and an extensive alumni network

3. Hax Accelerator Eligibility Requirements

With a strong emphasis on physical product innovation, HAX seeks teams that have:

1. A Validated Problem: Clear market need or customer pain point, often identified through conversations with potential users or rooted in personal expertise.
2. A Working Prototype: Early proof-of-concept demonstrating your approach to hardware or scientific breakthroughs. It doesn’t need to be polished, but it should show tangible progress beyond a concept deck.
3. Technical Depth & Customer Obsession: Founders who combine strong engineering capabilities with a willingness to dive deep into customer discovery and business strategy.

While there’s no set industry requirement, HAX is especially keen on solutions that mitigate climate impact, reimagine industrial processes, or address critical human health challenges. If you’re a sole founder with only contractors, or if your space is overcrowded with minimal differentiation, your chances of acceptance diminish significantly.

4. Hax Application Process

HAX invests in teams on a rolling basis—usually adding two to three startups each month—so you can apply any time. Here’s how it works:

1. Online Application Describe your product, the problem you’re solving, and any relevant achievements (prototypes, pilot studies, research publications, etc.).
2. Initial Screening HAX’s investment team reviews applications within about two weeks. Promising startups are invited to an interview.
3. Interviews You’ll have 3–4 interviews (usually virtual) with various HAX team members, covering technical feasibility, market size, and competitive landscape. They may also consult external experts for due diligence.
4. Decision If selected, HAX extends an offer to join the program—allowing you to collaborate in Newark and access global support from Shenzhen, Pune, and other hubs.

Pro Tip: If you haven’t heard back after a month, you can follow up for feedback. HAX aims to respond to all applicants, though high volumes may slow the timeline.

5. Hax Investment Terms & Program Costs

• Initial Investment: HAX typically invests an initial pre-seed amount in your startup, split between cash and in-kind support. This funding is structured as a Post-Money SAFE targeting a certain ownership percentage.
• In-Kind Support: A portion of the investment is allocated to cover engineering, design, and business development services—resources you’d otherwise spend big on via third-party agencies.
• Follow-On Funding: As part of the SOSV family, HAX can continue investing through later rounds (often up to Series C/D). SOSV manages multiple funds, including Fund V and the $100M SOSV Select Fund.

In exchange, you gain access to fully equipped labs, advanced prototyping gear, and expert staff who can significantly reduce your time-to-market.

6. Why HAX Accelerator?

1. Hands-On Engineering & Design HAX isn’t just about pitch practice; it’s about building and iterating physical products. You’ll work closely with mechanical, electrical, and industrial design engineers who’ve successfully launched hard tech before.
2. Global Manufacturing Expertise Thanks to HAX’s Shenzhen roots, startups gain a direct line to Asia’s manufacturing epicenter for fast prototyping, part sourcing, and supply chain strategies.
3. Long-Term Capital & Support HAX continues to invest in promising startups through multiple rounds, plus you retain ongoing access to coworking and lab spaces even post-program (up to a certain team size).
4. Community of Founders You join a global network of entrepreneurs tackling similar engineering and scaling challenges—an invaluable source of advice, feedback, and morale.
5. Integration with SOSV Beyond HAX, you can benefit from cross-program synergies, including IndieBio for biotech solutions, and a robust marketing platform that features annual events and curated startup lists.

7. Tips for a Winning HAX Accelerator Application

1. Demonstrate Traction Show your working prototype in action—video demos or data from pilot tests can speak louder than any slide deck.
2. Highlight Technological Edge Articulate how your hardware or scientific innovation stands apart from competitors and why it’s difficult to replicate.
3. Clarify Your Commercial Path Yes, HAX loves founders who dig into the technical details, but they also want to see a plausible strategy for scaling, generating revenue, or reducing costs in a critical industry.
4. Emphasize the Team’s Strength HAX looks for committed teams—ideally more than one founder with complementary skills. Avoid relying solely on contracted engineers.
5. Focus on Impact and Vision Position your startup as a meaningful player in climate tech, industrial transformation, or healthcare. Paint the long-term vision that shows how you’ll address massive global challenges.

8. FAQs

Q1: Do I need to be based in Newark or Shenzhen to participate?

A1: You’ll spend significant time at the Newark facility (or leverage Shenzhen or Pune teams remotely). While on-site collaboration is encouraged, HAX has a global presence so you can benefit from multiple locations.

Q2: Is HAX limited to specific industries?

A2: HAX is industry-agnostic within “hard tech,” focusing on solutions that combine hardware, software, and science to address large-scale climate, industrial, or health issues.

Q3: What if I’m still developing my prototype?

A3: A basic functioning prototype is highly recommended. Even if it’s rough, it should demonstrate your concept’s feasibility.

Q4: Can sole founders apply?

A4: Yes, but a single founder with outsourced engineering may be less likely to get accepted. HAX prefers teams with in-house technical capabilities.

Q5: How often does HAX admit new startups?

A5: HAX admits startups on a rolling basis, roughly adding 2–3 teams each month rather than following a strict cohort calendar.

9. Final Thoughts on Getting Into HAX Accelerator

If you’re building hard tech that addresses crucial global challenges—and if you have at least a basic prototype to prove it—HAX Accelerator can propel you from early-stage concept to a fundable venture. By offering tailored engineering support, a deeply connected global network, and sustained follow-on investment, HAX stands out as an unparalleled resource for hardware founders. Strengthen your application with clear market validation, a dedicated technical team, and a bold vision, and you’ll be well on your way to joining HAX’s growing community of world-changing hard tech startups.