Accelerating American innovation in artificial intelligence
The 2026 application window for ETA's National AI Accelerator has closed. Featured cohort members and projects will be showcased at upcoming ETA events, including the US AI Congress, March 24–25, 2027.
Education, enablement, and ecosystem building
The National AI Accelerator is ETA's structured cohort program, matching approved project teams with vetted peer advisors, technology partners, training resources, and implementation support to drive responsible AI adoption across American organizations.
2026 Applications
The 2026 application window has closed. Thank you to every organization, advisor, and partner who applied to join the inaugural cohort.
Inaugural Launch
The inaugural cohort launched at the US AI Congress, ETA's national gathering bringing together the full ecosystem.
Cohort Journey
Matched project teams engage with peers, partners, and resources through structured cohort programming and ETA events throughout the year.
Cohort Showcase
Featured cohort members and projects take the stage at the US AI Congress to present outcomes and celebrate milestones, with more showcases at upcoming ETA events.
Program Re-Launch
The Accelerator expands and re-launches in 2027 with rolling quarterly cohorts, broader national reach, and new organizational tracks. Details on the next application window are coming soon.
See featured 2026 cohort members and projects in person at the US AI Congress, March 24–25, 2027, and at upcoming ETA events including AI Week conferences.
Built for every organization driving AI forward
The Accelerator is designed to serve the full spectrum of American organizations at every stage of their AI journey, from first-time explorers to enterprise-scale transformation.
Startups
Early-stage companies building AI-native products or integrating AI into their growth strategy for the first time.
Small Businesses
Owner-operated and small businesses identifying their first AI use cases and building practical AI competency.
Midmarket Businesses
Scaling companies navigating AI strategy, vendor selection, workforce readiness, and operational integration at growth stage.
Enterprise
Large organizations managing complex AI governance, enterprise-wide transformation, and large-scale industry sector applications at scale.
Nonprofits
Mission-driven organizations applying AI to amplify impact, improve operations, and extend reach across the communities they serve.
Government
Federal, state, and local agencies and economic development organizations advancing responsible AI adoption in public sector operations.
Research
Universities, national labs, and research organizations translating AI innovation into real-world applications and regional economic impact.
Public-Private Partnerships
Government agencies, economic development organizations, and institutions co-developing AI initiatives with private sector partners, building the infrastructure of AI-ready regions.
How the ecosystem works together
The Accelerator brings three distinct roles into a structured cohort, where vetted advisors and partners are matched exclusively with approved project teams.
- Matched with vetted peer advisors for strategic guidance
- Connected to technology and services partners
- Access to training, tools, and ETA resources
- Featured in ETA's national network and events
- Matched to 1 to 3 project teams per cohort
- Contribute to a national advisory community
- Gain ETA Advisor credentials and recognition
- Access to ETA events and thought leadership platforms
- Featured placement with matched project teams
- Co-branded visibility across ETA's national platform
- Access to the full Accelerator cohort ecosystem
- Speaking and content opportunities at ETA events
Backed by national leaders and innovators
The National AI Accelerator is supported by a coalition of leading technology companies, innovation networks, and government fellows, providing project teams with access to world-class expertise, resources, and credentialing pathways.
More than sponsorship. Real matched access.
Accelerator Partners are not buying logo placement, they are being matched with the exact organizations their solutions are built to help. ETA reviews every partner application and makes intentional introductions to project teams across the eight organizational tracks.
- Direct matching with approved project teams that need your specific technology, training, or services
- Co-branded presence at the cohort showcase at the US AI Congress, March 24–25, 2027
- Featured placement in ETA's national network of 3,000+ organizations and 50-state ecosystem
- Priority speaking and content opportunities at AI Week conferences and virtual ETA events
- Partner recognition in ETA's cohort showcase communications and media
- A pipeline of vetted, AI-ready organizations actively seeking your category of solution
Three ways to power the Accelerator
ETA's Accelerator Partner program is structured around three tiers, each matched to the type of value you bring to project teams.
- Matched with 5 to 10 project teams per cohort
- Featured in ETA's national technology directory
- Co-branded content and case study development
- Priority placement across all ETA channels
- Partner recognition at the 2027 cohort showcase
- Integrated into Accelerator curriculum and tracks
- Credential pathways featured to all cohort participants
- Workshop and virtual session opportunities
- USAII, CAITL, CAIC credential alignment
- Matched with project teams based on sector and need
- Listed in ETA's vetted advisor and services network
- Referral relationships with peer advisors and teams
- Speaking and thought leadership opportunities
- Business development introductions within ETA ecosystem
Meet the 2026 cohort
The 2026 application window has closed. Join us at the US AI Congress, March 24–25, 2027, where featured cohort members and projects take the stage. Get showcase updates and be first to hear when the next application window opens, or partner with ETA to be part of it.