Startup Junkie kicks off accelerator for AI, machine learning startups

BusinessNorthwest ArkansasStartups / Technology

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) ago 0 views 

Startup Junkie Foundation announced Monday (Aug. 19) the nine participants of its fifth accelerator for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning startups. The 10-week Fuel Accelerator starts Aug. 27.

Following are the companies included in the accelerator.
Bella Vista-based Ask Steve
Phoenix-based Botco
Fayetteville-based Flye.ai
Austin, Texas-based Homekynd
Atlanta-based Knosc
Richmond, Va.-based Rising Tide
San Jose, Calif.-based ROYBI
Memphis, Tenn.-based Upsquad
Chicago-based Uptok

Launched in 2019, Fuel Accelerator is a program of Startup Junkie Foundation in partnership with Catapult Consulting. The consulting company is led by Tom Douglass, former director of emerging technology at Walmart Inc., and provides domain experience in business strategy to develop companies, ideas and next-generation disruptive businesses.

The accelerator for artificial intelligence and machine learning startups is supported by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Walton Family Foundation. This is the third and final cohort for the Fuel Accelerator program in 2024. Since 2019, the program has hosted nine accelerators, including those for startups in supply chain, health innovation and cybersecurity.

The program has matched 70 portfolio companies with enterprise partners to accelerate each startup’s growth. It also helps startups grow through operational coaching, mentoring from Northwest Arkansas professionals, and leveraging its long-term experience in AI technology.

“After an exciting year for Fuel Accelerator, the team couldn’t be more happy to welcome this cohort as our fifth AI/ML cohort,” Fuel Director Darian Harris said. “The solutions that these startups have built are essential to advancing the landscape of technology innovation and expanding the capabilities for business in Northwest Arkansas.”

Fuel Accelerator is a no-cost and no-equity accelerator that’s based in Northwest Arkansas and includes office space at Ledger in Bentonville. The program is designed to help seed and growth-stage technology startups become enterprise-ready.