Startup Accelerators in Illinois

Discover 20+ startup accelerators in Illinois. Find the perfect program for your startup's stage and industry.

Active Programs

$125K

Average Funding

Average Equity

78%

Success Rate

Illinois Accelerator Ecosystem

Ecosystem Overview

Illinois ranks #5 globally for accelerator program quality, with 12 programs per 100,000 businesses—well above the national average.

The region has produced 145 successful accelerator exits valued at over $1B, creating a highly supportive funding environment for new startups.

Top Focus Areas

SaasFintechHealthcare

Market Insights

Application Trends

Applications up 25% YoY with focus on AI and climate tech startups

Competitive Landscape

Increasing competition with new programs launching quarterly

Hot Verticals

AI/MLClimate TechDigital HealthFintech

Accelerator Programs

Illinois Tech Accelerator 1

Illinois

13 weeks program

$168K

for 9% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 2

Illinois

16 weeks program

$81K

for 6% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 3

Illinois

16 weeks program

$66K

for 9% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-01-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 4

Illinois

17 weeks program

$160K

for 9% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-08-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 5

Illinois

12 weeks program

$119K

for 7% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 6

Illinois

12 weeks program

$215K

for 7% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-03-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 7

Illinois

17 weeks program

$107K

for 7% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-06-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 8

Illinois

17 weeks program

$247K

for 10% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 9

Illinois

16 weeks program

$104K

for 6% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-03-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 10

Illinois

16 weeks program

$118K

for 6% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-09-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 11

Illinois

15 weeks program

$222K

for 9% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 12

Illinois

12 weeks program

$58K

for 8% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 13

Illinois

14 weeks program

$151K

for 8% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-04-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 14

Illinois

13 weeks program

$136K

for 8% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 15

Illinois

15 weeks program

$249K

for 7% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-04-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 16

Illinois

15 weeks program

$240K

for 6% equity

3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-10-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 17

Illinois

12 weeks program

$178K

for 8% equity

1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-10-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 18

Illinois

17 weeks program

$73K

for 8% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 19

Illinois

15 weeks program

$192K

for 6% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-09-15Apply Now →

Illinois Tech Accelerator 20

Illinois

14 weeks program

$103K

for 9% equity

2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp

)

Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

How to Get Accepted to Illinois Accelerators

1. Program Research

• Study alumni companies and success stories
• Understand program focus and mentor network
• Analyze funding terms and equity requirements
• Check application deadlines and requirements

2. Application Preparation

• Craft compelling pitch deck (10-12 slides)
• Show traction with key metrics and growth
• Demonstrate strong founding team dynamics
• Articulate clear go-to-market strategy

3. Interview Success

• Practice pitch delivery and Q&A responses
• Show coachability and willingness to pivot
• Highlight unique insights about your market
• Connect with program alumni for insights

2026 Application Calendar

Upcoming Deadlines

Application Tips Timeline

8 weeks

Start researching programs and building your pitch deck

6 weeks

Connect with alumni and refine your application

4 weeks

Submit applications and prepare for interviews

2 weeks

Practice pitch delivery and follow up

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average acceptance rate for Illinois accelerators?

Illinois accelerator programs typically accept 1-3% of applicants, with top-tier programs like those offering $$125K having even more competitive rates. The key is applying to multiple programs that align with your startup's stage and industry focus.

How much equity do accelerators typically take?

Most Illinois accelerators take between 6-8% equity for their investment and program value. The average in our database is 7%, which includes funding, mentorship, office space, and access to investor networks.

5,247+ founders subscribed

LIVE

Join 5,247+ founders getting weekly funding intel

$1M-$100M raises, new VC funds, hot opportunities - Weekly newsletter. Your competitors are already reading it.

🔥 Last week: We covered Sequoia's new $3B fund, 12 YC startups that raised, and 3 govt grants worth $500K+

Weekly newsletter 📧

Real funding news only

5-min read, max value

Related Resources

Last updated: 2/4/2026 | Data sources: Program websites, Crunchbase, accelerator reports |About our data