Today, Nike announced their first Nike+ Accelerator program, powered by Techstars. Ten companies will participate in a three-month, mentorship-driven program. The technology focus will be about leveraging the success of the Nike+ FuelBand, Nike+ Running and NikeFuel to support digital innovation. Anyone that knows me will tell you I’m a quantified self geek and enjoy data. I’ve been using the Nike Fuelband for several months and I’m loving it. I’ve used other “quantified self” devices and lost 35 pounds in the last 9 months because of the accountability associated with things like this. Living a healthier life is a hot topic in an exciting space and Nike is perfectly positioned to address this technology.
This is the second accelerator “powered by Techstars.” Microsoft launched the Seattle-based Microsoft Accelerator in January, and it’s now in the middle of the second program after a very successful first program.
The Nike+ Accelerator will be based in downtown Portland, and the program is just a short drive away from Nike World Headquarters. It will begin in March of 2013 and conclude in June with two investor demo days; one in Portland and one in Silicon Valley.
I’m excited to join the likes of Nike’s Vice President of Digital Sport, Stefan Olander, Naveen Selvadurai, co-founder of Foursquare, and Tim Ferriss, author of The 4-Hour Body and many other all around awesome entrepreneurs.
With over 15 successful programs under our belt, Techstars is powering the accelerator for Nike and we’re already looking forward to the outcome of combining our own firsthand knowledge in the setting of an impressive organization. To apply, go to www.nikeaccelerator.com for details and applications. The application deadline is February 3rd, 2013. Accepted companies will be notified in late February. What are you waiting for?
Other coverage of the Nike+ Accelerator launch:
The Next Web
Silicon Florist
GeekWire
Brad Feld
Nike
TechCrunch
GigaOM
Startupcell
VentureBeat
Forbes
MIT Technology Review
Tech Cocktail
Portland Business Journal
Denver Post
Wired
