About the Auxilium Accelerator Program
The Auxilium Accelerator is a three-month, fast-paced program designed to help early-stage startups scale quickly and sustainably. Founders accepted into the program receive mentorship, hands-on workshops, and a $250,000 investment to accelerate their growth and expand their business.
We’re looking for driven, innovative, and hard-working entrepreneurs who are beyond the ideation stage and ready to build a viable, scalable venture. Our program equips founders with the tools, guidance, and strategic support they need to focus, learn, execute, and take their company to the next level.
Program Benefits
Mentorship
Each startup is matched with a dedicated team of mentors who work closely with the founders throughout the program. In addition, participants have access to a broader network of expert mentors who offer targeted guidance on specific goals, challenges, and growth opportunities.
Workshops
Founders engage in hands-on, expert-led workshops covering essential areas of business. Topics include marketing and sales, HR and team building, cap table management, financial planning, fundraising, leadership development, and more, equipping founders with practical tools for execution.
Investment
Each startup accepted into the Accelerator program receives a $250,000 investment, providing the capital needed to build momentum, expand operations, and make measurable progress during the program’s three-month sprint.
Community
Being a part of the accelerator means joining a tight-knit, supportive community of fellow founders. This shared environment fosters collaboration, peer learning, and accountability, helping startups grow faster while navigating challenges together.
Have questions about the Auxilium Accelerator? Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.
Where is the Accelerator located?
The Innovation Studio is based at Auxilium, located at 311 Main Street in the heart of downtown Worcester, MA. Most programming and collaboration happen in person at this location, with some support and mentor meetings available virtually. Founders benefit from a state-of-the-art office environment designed to support early-stage ventures from ideation to execution.
How much does it cost to participate in the program?
There is no cost for companies to participate in the accelerator program. Selected founders receive free access to the program’s full suite of resources including co-working space, state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, workshops, and community events. Our goal is to remove financial barriers so early-stage founders can focus entirely on building and growing their ventures.
How long is the Accelerator?
The program runs for three months. It is a full-time commitment designed to help founders focus and execute at a high level.
What kind of support do participants receive?
Founders are matched with a dedicated team of mentors and have access to expert guidance, hands-on workshops, and a supportive community of peers and advisors. Participants in the accelerator program benefit from a $250,000 investment, a comprehensive support system designed to accelerate their growth including tailored programming, mentorship and strategic connections.
In addition, founders enjoy 24/7 access to a fully equipped, state-of-the-art workspace in downtown Worcester, complete with co-working areas, private offices, meeting rooms, and kitchen facilities. Everything is designed to give founders the tools, environment, and resources they need to focus on building impactful ventures.
Does Auxilium invest in companies accepted into the Accelerator Program?
Yes! Each company received a $250,000 investment to fuel their growth. This is done through a convertible note.
Eligibility & Application
Who should apply to the Accelerator?
We’re looking for driven, innovative founders who are post-ideation stage, with a viable and scalable business. If you’re ready to take your startup to the next level, you’re encouraged to apply.
What stage should my startup be in to apply?
The ideal Accelerator candidate is past the idea stage and has begun building their product or service typically with a minimum viable product (MVP) or clear proof of concept. Startups may still be pre-revenue or pre-fundraising, but should have validated their business idea enough to demonstrate viability and scalability.
What types of industries does the Accelerator support?
The accelerator program is open to startups across a wide range of industries, including AI, medtech, consumer products, advanced manufacturing, green tech, and more. What matters most is that your business is innovative, viable, and aligned with the expertise and resources we can offer.
We focus on working with founders we can truly support through the Auxilium and Rucker Investments network whether that’s through connections, experience, or access to capital. However, we will not be accepting companies in the following industries: gaming, alcoholic beverages, THC/ cannabis products, or ventures focused on therapeutic drug development.
What is Rucker Investments' role in Auxilium?
Rucker Investments is the founding and principal backer of Auxilium. It is a family office with diversified holdings founded on an integrity-first approach and a mission to create long-term positive change in the business and the broader communities in which they operate.
Their support of Auxilium reflects a commitment to investing in entrepreneurial ecosystems, helping early-stage founders build sustainable ventures that drive meaningful change. Through strategic guidance, capital, and values-driven leadership, Rucker Investments plays a foundational role in powering Auxilium’s mission and vision. What do you look for in a participant?
We look for founders who are coachable, driven, committed, and deeply invested in building something impactful. Strong candidates are action-oriented, open to feedback, and ready to fully engage in the program.
We only bring in founders we believe we can help succeed, those whose ventures align with our expertise, resources, and network. Our goal is to work with startups we can support through the Auxilium and Rucker Investments networks whether that’s through industry connections, resources, or specialized expertise.
Can solo founders apply to the Accelerator?
Yes, both solo founders and founding teams are welcome to apply.
Do I need to relocate to Worcester?
Participants are expected to be present and engaged in Worcester throughout the program. We believe in-person collaboration helps startups achieve better results.
How do I apply to the Accelerator?
The Auxilium Accelerator runs 2–3 times per year, with each class accepting a select group of startups. Applications are currently closed. In the meantime, you can join our email list to be the first to know when the next application period opens and to receive updates about program dates, deadlines, and events. 
