In an effort to redefine how startups transition from ideation to market readiness, Launch Chapel Hill has joined forces with global professional services firm KPMG to form Launch, Powered by KPMG—an AI-enabled, next-generation accelerator model.
This new collaboration between Chapel Hill’s leading (and only) startup accelerator and KPMG’s extensive industry insights and enterprise connections will help startups get to market faster.
The accelerator will focus on readying pre-market, idea-stage startups through a five-week program that will provide mentorship and resources. According to Cliff Justice, Head of Enterprise Innovation at KPMG, this accelerator is the first of KPMG’s partnerships with universities to grow their startup ecosystems.
“This collaboration is not just about acceleration—it’s about delivering tangible outcomes,” Justice said in a press release to GrepBeat. “[Launch, Powered by KPMG] will connect startups with extensive client networks at KPMG, providing direct exposure to enterprise challenges and commercialization pathways, leveraging the firm’s deep consulting experience.”
Per the release, this new model will be the launchpad and blueprint for other universities and corporate clients. By integrating AI automation, KPMG resources, and the university’s startup pipeline, the program will serve as a beacon for university-corporate collaborations, potentially unlocking $98 billion in annual university R&D spend and driving commercialization.
Applications for the accelerator have opened and the deadline to apply is Friday, April 11th. The program is expected to begin on May 5th.
Kicking things off
Last night, Launch Chapel Hill and KPMG invited members of the innovation community to a special unveiling event, held at the Innovate Carolina Junction. Speakers included Justice himself (hailing from Texas), Chapel Hill Town Council Member Theodore Nollert, Dr. Dedric Carter, the Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship Economic Development at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Emil Runge, the newest Director of Launch Chapel Hill.
Runge emphasized the resiliency of entrepreneurship in our region by noting that 70 years ago, the Triangle was one of the poorest regions in the second poorest state in the country. With the creation of the Research Triangle Park and every enterprise business thereafter, he praised that “leadership is in [North Carolina’s] DNA.”
He continued, “When we’re talking about the innovation frontiers for KPMG… there are areas like cutting edge not only in AI, but also semiconductors, quantum computing, biotech—that are going to define the future…And from my standpoint, for us to have that opportunity to do that here in the Triangle, meet companies at that relevant stage, to provide the necessary staff of them to improve their probability of success, that’s what makes me so excited. We cannot do that without KPMG. We cannot do that without those really important collaborations to go ahead and push this forward.”
During his speech, Justice echoed this need of startups by hinting at how large organizations are rethinking their innovation strategies in the age of AI, emerging tech, and ecosystem collaboration—especially during a tumultuous time in global innovation.
“The time to be a startup is during a period of disruption,” he said. “The geopolitical climate and environment has changed, and it is driving rapid change in terms of how global alliances are structured. We’re de-globalizing at a very rapid pace… and that is going to be a catalyst to drive faster and faster innovation.”
Here are some photos from last night’s event, conveying a sense of the community’s interest in and passion for this new accelerator.
