Incubator, accelerator, or founder residency?
An incubator can help a person or team explore a problem and develop the foundations of a company. An accelerator typically supports a startup through a defined period of intensive work. A founder residency can start before a team or idea exists. Labels overlap, so read the actual offer.
Programs worth understanding
Techstars describes a three-month, mentorship-driven accelerator with investment. Antler’s US residency accepts founders throughout the year and separates participation from its investment decision. FoundersBoost describes a six-week pre-accelerator focused on readiness for accelerators, investment, and revenue, with no fees or equity. These are distinct models; current terms and eligibility are set by each organization.
What Redko Labs is for
Redko Labs is an impact AI and deep tech incubator for technical founders moving from a research direction to a useful product. Apply with a company, an idea, or as an individual. We enroll on a rolling basis and agree the support, timing, and participation terms before you join.
The incubator itself does not invest. Funding conversations and any eventual investment are separate from participation. Applying does not commit equity.
Bring the question.
Build the evidence.
Apply on a rolling basis, with an idea, a company, or the ambition to find your starting point.
Questions to ask every program
- Who will work with me, how often, and on which deliverables?
- What happens if I need university IP rights, clinical validation, or lab access?
- What equity is earned, when, and for what committed support?
- Is money committed, discretionary, or only an introduction?
- Can I speak with founders who have completed the program?
- What happens if the program or my project changes?
Experience, clearly described
Redko founder Anya Ozmen has worked with Techstars, Antler, and Founders Boost LA, a pre-accelerator. Redko Labs is independently operated and is not affiliated with or endorsed by these programs.
Program descriptions checked October 13, 2026. This guide is a comparison framework, not an independent ranking or a promise of admission to another program.
Explore the Redko Labs program