Towson University’s StarTUp Accelerator continues to fuel innovation and entrepreneurial growth, drawing increasing interest from founders eager to scale their ideas. Applications for the 2026 cohort rose by 20%, making this year’s selection process the most competitive yet. Ultimately, just 13 ventures were chosen, including one student venture, representing a diverse mix of industries and forward-thinking solutions.

From medical technology and fintech to consumer-packaged goods and clean energy, the selected startups reflect the breadth of innovation emerging from today’s founders. Each venture brings a unique perspective and approach, united by a shared goal: delivering meaningful impact within their respective sectors.

Over the next several weeks, founders will be based at StarTUp at the Armory, where they will refine their business models, accelerate development and prepare for growth. Through hands-on programming, collaborative opportunities and tailored mentorship, participants will gain the tools needed to advance their ventures with confidence. The cohort will be guided by Daniel Kawah, the program’s new entrepreneur in residence, whose experience will help shape a dynamic, founder-first learning environment.

2026 StarTUp Accelerator Cohort

  • AegisQX (Manoj Jha, Hanu Dixit, Eian Capers): A quantum-augmented cybersecurity platform enabling real-time cryptographic risk detection and post-quantum readiness without requiring quantum hardware
  • CloutScore (Todd Sheridan): Converts digital and non-W2 income into structured analytics to help lenders expand equitable access to credit
  • Drive Equity by I Got Drive LLC (Eean Logan Thomas, Moriah Ray, Morgan Johnson): A fintech platform empowering underserved communities with pathways to vehicle ownership and economic mobility
  • Elastic Energy (Samuel Bendek): Creator of a sap-powered battery delivering lower costs, longer lifespan and improved safety for clean energy solutions
  • Free Money Meister (Kiara Scott): A smart scholarship platform that helps students identify and win funding through personalized matching
  • LineSqip (Ernest Davis): A logistics and experience platform connecting attendees, vendors and organizers across multi-vendor events
  • Lumenate Medical (Haley Slosberg, Jack Darbonne, Anand Vaish): Developing AI-assisted bladder cancer screening technology to expand access and accelerate diagnosis
  • Novablade Ltd Co (Brendan Frederick): An AI-powered solution to improve intubation success rates for first responders in emergency environments
  • Opsify (John Gonsalves): An AI-driven operations platform helping small service businesses automate workflows and scale efficiently
  • RootReveal by Radiant Reflections Beauty Salon (Jada Riley): A beauty tech innovation featuring advanced scalp imaging and a companion platform for personalized hair and scalp health
  • SwiftCollab (Naganjan Kumar Gobburu): A proactive execution layer that streamlines enterprise workflows through automated follow-ups and task management
  • Unigbo Foods (Ursula Gnan): Producing convenient, ready-to-eat meals inspired by authentic African cuisine for modern consumers
  • LinkedIn or LeftOut (Maxwell Myers, Brian Quainoo): A data-driven platform helping students build job-ready software engineering skills through measurable learning analytics

Together, these ventures embody the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive that define the StarTUp Accelerator experience.

Meet the Cohort

Watch a short video to meet the 2026 ventures and learn more about how they’re shaping the future.