Thayer Launches New Dartmouth Innovation Accelerator for Engineering

Assistant Professor of Engineering Katie Hixon received an award from the Dartmouth Innovation Accelerator for Cancer in 2023. (Photo by Rob Strong '04)

The approximately six-week program will offer structured entrepreneurship and commercialization workshops, along with access to funding opportunities, mentoring, pitch practice, and hands-on training with Dartmouth's Technology Transfer Office.

"We're excited to partner with Magnuson to help our researchers bring their high-impact engineering solutions to society as quickly as possible," said Interim Dean and Professor of Engineering Doug Van Citters. "Training leaders in translation and technology transfer has long been a priority for Thayer, and this accelerator program invests even more resources to support that goal."

Applications to the inaugural DIAEn cohort will be accepted through February 15, 2026. Accelerator teams may include collaborators from across Dartmouth, along with external partners, but must include active Thayer faculty involvement.

"The Magnuson Center is thrilled about the launch of this latest addition to our portfolio of accelerators," said Barry Schweitzer, Magnuson's associate director of strategic initiatives. "With its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit spanning faculty, students and alumni, Thayer is a natural partner for this new initiative. We look forward to facilitating this program’s unique blend of education, mentorship, and funding to help accelerate engineering innovation at Dartmouth."

At the end of the program, teams will pitch their innovations to a panel of experts, with up to $100,000 in prizes awarded to select teams.

DIAEn is one of several Dartmouth accelerators aimed at helping innovators commercialize research into products and technologies with real-world impact. Other focus areas for innovation accelerators include cancer, digital health, and healthcare delivery. Past Thayer recipients of awards from the Dartmouth Innovation Accelerator for Cancer include professors Margie Ackerman, Petr Brůža, Katie Hixon, John Zhang, Jiwon Lee, and Karl Griswold.