President's Buckeye Accelerator - Eligibility and Expectations

Eligibility

1 Be committed

The program is for student ventures serious about pursuing a business idea and committed to a structured and rigorous program.

2 Be a current student

At the time of submission, the student founder must be a current student enrolled in a degree-seeking program with a graduation date of May 2026 or later and in good standing at Ohio State. If a student founder graduates during the accelerator term, they may continue to work on the project (and the project will continue to be eligible for resources) so long as another previously identified student founder and/or executive team member remains in pursuit of a degree and in good standing at Ohio State.

3 Complete first steps

Student ventures must complete the application process and pre-accelerator Boost Camp (January – April 2025).

4 Ownership guidelines

If a student founder owns 20% or more of a venture that has previously received funding from the Keenan Center (e.g., BOSS, President’s Buckeye Accelerator), then other companies in which the student founder also owns 20% or more are not eligible to compete in BOSS or the President’s Buckeye Accelerator.

5 Funding and revenue cap

Ventures that have $100,000 or more of cumulative revenue, debt, grant or third-party financing for the company are not eligible

6 Read the details

Accept terms and conditions of funds.

Expectations

1 Make this your priority

Student entrepreneurs who accept an invitation to the President’s Buckeye Accelerator are expected to prioritize the program and adhere to strict participation requirements.

2 Mututal respect

Participants must respect the rights and dignity of others.

3 Held accountable

Participants are accountable for personal behavior.

4 Honesty

Participants must provide honesty and transparency in all dealings with members of the President’s Buckeye Accelerator.

5 Complete all paperwork

To compete and qualify, participants must complete all forms, releases, agreements, and documents accurately and truthfully.

6 Societal impact

When possible, participants must work to support the broader Ohio State entrepreneurial community and aspire to make a positive impact on society.

7 Photo release

Participants permit the accelerator and Ohio State to use participants’ names, likenesses, city of residence, photograph, video, film, or any other likeness, for marketing and promotional purposes, including, without limitation, newsletters, websites, social media accounts, or outlets without additional compensation.