NYU Stern Accelerator Fuels Deep Tech & Health Innovations

New York, NY – The Endless Frontier Labs (EFL) at NYU Stern has concluded its latest accelerator program, celebrating the graduation of 74 ambitious startups across Digital Tech, Deep Tech, Life Sciences, and Digital Health. This year's cohort showcases significant advancements in critical sectors, with three promising ventures receiving crucial backing from The Elizabeth Elting Venture Fund, established by alumna Elizabeth Elting (MBA ’92) with support from Stan Moss (MS ’17). The fund's investment targets women-led companies addressing complex global challenges.

Among the distinguished recipients is Exodys Energy, a Deep Tech innovator developing a compact nuclear fuel recycling facility designed to transform spent fuel into usable feedstock for existing and future reactors. In the Life Sciences arena, AOA Dx is advancing early ovarian cancer detection through a novel liquid biopsy utilizing lipid and protein biomarkers coupled with machine learning. Rounding out the funded trio is Swing Therapeutics, a Digital Health company that has secured FDA clearance for its digital behavioral therapy aimed at managing chronic pain, initially focusing on fibromyalgia patients.

EFL's impact extends beyond individual company successes. Over its eight-year tenure, the accelerator has become a formidable force in the startup ecosystem, boasting an impressive track record. To date, 243 graduates have collectively raised approximately $3.20 billion, with 186 companies achieving a combined valuation of $9.14 billion. The program has also nurtured two unicorns, demonstrating its efficacy in fostering high-growth potential ventures. Notably, EFL operates on a founder-centric model, charging no fees and taking no equity, making it an accessible launchpad for scientific and technological breakthroughs globally.

The program's rigorous nine-month curriculum immerses founders in a supportive environment, connecting them with seasoned entrepreneurs, scientists, and venture capitalists. Stern MBA students, enrolled in a companion course led by Professor Deepak Hegde, contribute to market research and go-to-market strategies, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for commercialization. This hands-on approach has positioned EFL among the top 5% of U.S. accelerators based on value-added per startup, according to recent academic research.

The caliber of innovation emerging from EFL is evident in the broader cohort. Examples include an AI governance firm that secured $9 million in funding during the program, a robotics venture developing intuitive haptic technology that raised $18 million in a Seed+ round, a neurotherapeutics company focused on restoring brain function, and a cardiac imaging platform enhancing ultrasound diagnostics with AI integration. These diverse advancements underscore the program's commitment to fostering innovation across multiple high-impact technological frontiers.

The success of EFL is further highlighted by its recognition, including the Best Incubator/Accelerator/Equity award at the 2025 Prix Galien USA Awards. With 47.2% of its graduates being women founders, EFL is actively contributing to greater diversity within the venture capital and technology sectors. Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are now open, inviting the next wave of innovators to leverage EFL's unique support structure.