Everything you need to know about the TNT Accelerator
TNT is a startup accelerator for student founders at MIT and Harvard. We accept 15 teams each semester, provide over $200K in cloud credits and resources per team, and take zero equity. Our program runs during the academic semester so founders don't have to choose between school and their startup.
TNT is the only accelerator that brings together founders from both MIT and Harvard in the same cohort during the academic semester. We take no equity and provide substantial cloud and infrastructure credits from leading technology companies. We work across sectors including deep tech, research commercialization, and software, and we encourage every team to leverage AI across their operations. Our cross-school model connects undergrads, PhDs, and MBAs from both universities.
TNT is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by MIT or Harvard. We are an independent organization founded and run by students and alumni from both schools. We operate within the broader MIT and Harvard startup ecosystem and work alongside many of the programs and resources at both universities.
TNT runs one cohort per semester during the academic year. The Spring 2026 cohort runs from March 6 through the end of May.
Spring 2026 is our third cohort. Our first cohort's teams have collectively raised over $15M in venture funding.
We accept 15 startups per cohort from MIT and Harvard.
No. TNT takes zero equity from participating teams. Our program is fully supported by sponsors and partners.
Each team receives:
We look for student and recent alumni founders with exceptional potential, innovative ideas, and the drive to build something meaningful. We work across all sectors including deep tech, research commercialization, AI, and software, and we encourage every team to leverage AI across their operations. Teams can be at any stage, from idea to early traction.
The program runs alongside the academic semester. We have weekly build nights, accountability sessions, and check-ins, along with speaker events and mentorship. Founders set their own pace on building, and the program is designed to complement your coursework rather than replace it.
Current students and recent alumni (within one year of graduation) from MIT and Harvard are eligible. We welcome undergraduates, graduate students, PhDs, and MBAs. Teams can include co-founders from outside MIT and Harvard, and we also accept exceptional teams from other schools on a selective basis.
The application deadline for Spring 2026 is March 1, 2026.
The application includes basic information about your team and your idea. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a brief interview. We look for strong founders first, with the understanding that ideas evolve.
Yes. We accept both solo founders and teams.
Yes. Many of our founders participate in other programs at MIT and Harvard alongside TNT. We see ourselves as complementary to the broader ecosystem.
Demo Day is the culmination of each cohort. Teams present their startups to a curated audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, and the MIT and Harvard community. It is an opportunity to raise funding, build relationships, and showcase what you've built.
Our first cohort teams have collectively raised over $15M in venture funding. Teams have gone on to secure enterprise customers, raise from top-tier investors, and continue building with the support of the TNT network.
No. Some teams join TNT at the idea stage. The program is designed to help you build, whether you're ready to fundraise or still validating your concept.
TNT founders remain part of the community permanently. Alumni have access to ongoing mentorship, investor introductions, the TNT network, and future events. We also connect alumni with resources and opportunities as they continue to grow.
We host founders, executives, and investors for candid conversations about building startups. Past speakers have included leaders from top companies and venture firms. These sessions are open to the TNT community.
We welcome MIT and Harvard students as TNT Fellows who help support the program and the founder community. We also work with mentors and partners. Visit tnt.so to learn more about each role.