Launch an AI Startup In Silicon Valley this Summer
Apply
Founder Institute Image

The Founder Institute, the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Pittsburgh program!

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Pittsburgh's top investors and entrepreneurs to build a startup, then apply to the Pittsburgh Founder Institute today.


Since 2009, our highly-structured accelerator programs have helped entrepreneurs at the earliest stages grow quickly, know what to do next, and make connections with the largest community of startup advisors.

It all starts with our renowned ‘FI Core’ accelerator, which pushes founders at the idea and pre-seed stages to reach the milestones needed for investment and sustained growth. Alumni of FI Core then receive free access to our advanced ‘Founder Lab’ accelerators for years to come, and can get matched with prospective investors in the FI Venture Network, a collection of global funds actively investing in the earliest rounds of funding. 

To celebrate the launch, the Founder Institute will host several free online startup events in Pittsburgh, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs:

  • Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession

The Pittsburgh program is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including David Cerniglia (Software Developer, The Dev Shop), Greg Coticchia (X, X), Pitt Admin (Admin, Founder Institute), Randy Eager (Founder & Managing Partner, ResTec Solutions).

In addition, some of Pittsburgh's top investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs will be participating in the program, providing them with expert feedback and evaluation. The list of startup mentors for the Pittsburgh Founder Institute includes:

* Afshan Khan * Alan Martello * Atul Bansal * Beth Slagle * Bill Jackson * Britta Ulm * Chris Rasmussen * Claye Greene * Don Morrison * Fahmy Mechael * Glenn Watson * Ilana Diamond * Jared Glover * Jason Jones * Jeff Schneider * Jim Gibbs * Jim Jordan * John Lawton * John Riley * Kevin Israel * Lauren Townsend * Lillian Rafson * Marc Brown * Marcel Bergerman * Mark DeSantis * Meghan Skiff * Mike Formica * Ned Show * Richard Longo * Sreekar Gadde

  • And many more to be announced.

Join us in Pittsburgh to build a great company in 2024. 

Apply to the Pittsburgh 2023 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

Related Insights

More insights
Founder Institute Image
FI News

Build a Great Startup in 2026 with the FI Philadelphia Startup Accelerator

on May 26, 2026
Founder Institute Image
FI News

Build a Great Startup in 2026 with the FI Central Eastern Europe Startup Accelerator

on May 26, 2026
Founder Institute Image
FI News

Pitch, Validate, Launch: The Seattle Startup Bootcamp Built for Aspiring Founders

on May 25, 2026

Are you ready to apply to the world's largest pre-seed accelerator?

Apply to the Program