National AI Accelerator — Enterprise Technology Association
Launching May 27 at US AI Congress
National AI Accelerator — 2026 Inaugural Cohort

Accelerating American Innovation
and Prosperity in Artificial Intelligence

ETA's National AI Accelerator matches organizations with the advisors, partners, resources, and support they need to advance real AI projects — across seven organizational tracks and all 50 states.

7
Organizational tracks from startups to research institutions
3
Participation roles — Project Teams, Peer Advisors, Partners
3,000+
Organizations in ETA's national ecosystem
50
States — building AI-ready organizations nationwide
Program Overview

Education, Enablement,
and Ecosystem Building

The National AI Accelerator is ETA's structured cohort program — matching approved project teams with vetted peer advisors, technology partners, training resources, and implementation support to drive responsible AI adoption across American organizations.

Applications Open
Apply Now
Project team and partner applications are open now. Rolling approvals and submissions through the end of 2026 — apply early for priority review.
May 27, 2026
Inaugural Launch
The inaugural cohort kicks off at the US AI Congress — ETA's national gathering bringing together the full ecosystem. Accepted applicants join the first cohort class.
2026 Program
Cohort Journey
Matched project teams engage with peers, partners, and resources through structured cohort programming and ETA events throughout the year.
End of 2026
Cohort Showcase
Teams present outcomes, celebrate milestones, and prepare for continued engagement. Submissions and rolling approvals continue through year end.
2027 →
Program Re-Launch
The Accelerator expands and re-launches in 2027 with rolling quarterly cohorts, broader national reach, and new organizational tracks.
Seven Organizational Tracks

Built for Every Organization
Driving AI Forward

The Accelerator is designed to serve the full spectrum of American organizations at every stage of their AI journey — from first-time explorers to enterprise-scale transformation.

Track 01
Startups
Early-stage companies building AI-native products or integrating AI into their growth strategy for the first time.
Track 02
Small Businesses
Owner-operated and small businesses identifying their first AI use cases and building practical AI competency.
Track 03
Midmarket Businesses
Scaling companies navigating AI strategy, vendor selection, workforce readiness, and operational integration at growth stage.
Track 04
Enterprise
Large organizations managing complex AI governance, enterprise-wide transformation, and large-scale industry sector applications at scale.
Track 05
Nonprofits
Mission-driven organizations applying AI to amplify impact, improve operations, and extend reach across the communities they serve.
Track 06
Government
Federal, state, and local agencies and economic development organizations advancing responsible AI adoption in public sector operations.
Track 07
Research & Public-Private Partnerships
Universities, labs, research organizations, and public-private partnerships translating AI innovation into real-world applications and regional economic impact. Public-private partnerships should apply under this track.
Note

Public-private partnerships — including government agencies, economic development organizations, and institutions co-developing AI initiatives with private sector partners — should apply under Track 07.

Three Participation Roles

How the Ecosystem Works Together

The Accelerator brings three distinct roles into a structured cohort — where vetted advisors and partners are matched exclusively with approved project teams.

Project Team
Your Organization's AI Project
Organizations accepted into the Accelerator bring a defined AI project or transformation initiative and receive matched support from across ETA's ecosystem.
  • Matched with vetted peer advisors for strategic guidance
  • Connected to technology and services partners
  • Access to training, tools, and ETA resources
  • Featured in ETA's national network and events
Peer Advisor
Practitioner-to-Practitioner Guidance
Vetted AI practitioners and enterprise leaders matched with project teams to provide strategic counsel, peer review, and hands-on guidance throughout the cohort.
  • Matched to 1–3 project teams per cohort
  • Contribute to a national advisory community
  • Gain ETA Advisor credentials and recognition
  • Access to ETA events and thought leadership platforms
Partner
Technology & Services Support
Technology platforms, training providers, and professional services firms matched with project teams that need their specific solutions, tools, or expertise.
  • Featured placement with matched project teams
  • Co-branded visibility across ETA's national platform
  • Access to the full Accelerator cohort ecosystem
  • Speaking and content opportunities at ETA events
Connected to the Full ETA Ecosystem
US AI Congress
Cohort Launch — May 27
AI Week Series
12 Regional Convenings
Intelligent Regions
50-State Expansion
ETA Certifications
AI Explorer → Leader
3,000+ Orgs
National Network
Program Partners

Backed by National Leaders
and Innovators

The National AI Accelerator is supported by a coalition of leading technology companies, innovation networks, and government fellows — providing project teams with access to world-class expertise, resources, and credentialing pathways.

2026 Program Partners
White House Presidential Innovation Fellows Chief Innovation Network NVIDIA Microsoft Amazon Web Services USAII + More Partners
Apply — Project Team

Tell us about your organization and the AI project you want to accelerate. Applications for the 2026 inaugural cohort are reviewed on a rolling basis.

I agree to ETA's Privacy Policy and understand my application will be reviewed by the ETA team. *

Applications open May 27th. Rolling approvals and submissions through end of 2026. Questions? Email [email protected]

Submitting your application…

✓

Application Received

Thank you — our team will review your project application and follow up within 5–7 business days. We look forward to connecting you with the right support.

!

Something Went Wrong

Please try again or email us at [email protected].

Founding Partner Applications Open
National AI Accelerator — Partners

Power the Teams
Building America's AI Future

ETA Accelerator Partners are matched directly with approved project teams — connecting your solutions, expertise, and resources with the organizations that need them most across all 50 states.

7
Organizational tracks seeking partner solutions
3
Partner tiers — Technology, Training, and Services
3,000+
Organizations in ETA's national partner ecosystem
50
States — your solutions reaching organizations nationwide
Why Partner with the Accelerator

More Than Sponsorship.
Real Matched Access.

Accelerator Partners aren't buying logo placement — they're being matched with the exact organizations their solutions are built to help. ETA reviews every partner application and makes intentional introductions to project teams across the seven organizational tracks.

  • Direct matching with approved project teams that need your specific technology, training, or services
  • Co-branded presence at the US AI Congress cohort launch and throughout the program year
  • Featured placement in ETA's national network of 3,000+ organizations and 50-state ecosystem
  • Priority speaking and content opportunities at AI Week conferences and virtual ETA events
  • Founding partner recognition in ETA's 2026 inaugural cohort communications and media
  • A pipeline of vetted, AI-ready organizations actively seeking your category of solution
Partner Tiers

Three Ways to Power
the Accelerator

ETA's Accelerator Partner program is structured around three tiers — each matched to the type of value you bring to project teams.

Tier 1
Technology & Platform Partners
Software platforms, AI tools, cloud infrastructure, and technology providers whose solutions directly power project team initiatives.
  • Matched with 5–10 project teams per cohort
  • Featured in ETA's national technology directory
  • Co-branded content and case study development
  • Priority placement across all ETA channels
  • Founding partner recognition (2026 cohort)
Tier 2
Training & Education Partners
Certification bodies, training providers, and education platforms providing skill development and credentialing to project teams and their workforces.
  • Integrated into Accelerator curriculum and tracks
  • Credential pathways featured to all cohort participants
  • Workshop and virtual session opportunities
  • USAII, CAITL, CAIC credential alignment
Tier 3
Services & Advisory Partners
Consulting firms, implementation partners, and professional services organizations providing hands-on support to project teams navigating AI transformation.
  • Matched with project teams based on sector and need
  • Listed in ETA's vetted advisor and services network
  • Referral relationships with peer advisors and teams
  • Speaking and thought leadership opportunities
  • Business development introductions within ETA ecosystem
Program Partners
White House Presidential Innovation Fellows Chief Innovation Network NVIDIA Microsoft Amazon Web Services USAII
Your Partnership Reaches the Full ETA Ecosystem
US AI Congress
May 27 Cohort Launch
AI Week Series
12 Regional Events
Intelligent Regions
50-State Expansion
3,000+ Orgs
National Network
Apply — Become a Partner

Tell us about your organization and how you want to support Accelerator project teams. Founding partner applications are open now for the 2026 inaugural cohort.

I agree to ETA's Privacy Policy and understand my application will be reviewed by the ETA team. *

Partner applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Founding partner spots for the 2026 inaugural cohort are limited. Questions? Email [email protected]

Submitting your application…

✓

Application Received

Thank you for your interest in partnering with the National AI Accelerator. Our team will be in touch within 5 business days to discuss next steps.

!

Something Went Wrong

Please try again or email us at [email protected].