• Sector: Life science and health care companies (therapeutics, diagnostics, research use tools or services,and digital health care). We are currently not accepting device and tools companies unless they are pursuing a combination therapeutic-device model. We plan to include device companies in the future. If you are interested in learning more contact us at info@altitudelab.org 
• Stage: Early-stage companies with 5 or fewer employees 
• Team experience: Founders’ and executives’ professional background align to their technology or business ambition
• Representative & inclusive teams: While we have no absolute quotas or requirements of individual startups, Altitude Lab aims for 50% of our startups to have at least one underrepresented founder or executive. We do require all companies to make a commitment to build inclusive businesses. Preference for grants will be given to exceptional leaders from historically underrepresented backgrounds

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What to expect after you apply

• Meet us
  We will set up a call and answer any questions you have about the space, our mission, and our services
• Follow up for grant applicants
  After an initial review, you will be invited to meet our board of directors. This will help us see where you might fit within our 10 Trail Angel Grant seats
• Get notified

We promise to notify you of your application status within 3 weeks of applying.

We require all residents to meet the following criteria:

• Sector: Life science and health care companies (therapeutics, diagnostics, research use tools or services, and digital health care)
• Stage: Early stage companies with 5 or fewer employees and a soft limit of $2M in equity-based funding or annual revenue.
  
  We understand that stage, funding, and team size is relative to your vertical and operation. If you exceed the above guidelines but believe you are still at an early stage, we are eager to discuss your unique situation with you to determine incubator fit together
• Team experience: Founders’ and executives’ professional background align to their technology or business ambition

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In addition to these requirements we evaluate companies based on their alignment to our mission. Preference will be given to companies who are building:

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• Breakthrough businesses or products: Innovation-driven technologies with compelling patents or publication track record or disruptive, differentiated market strategies
• Representative & inclusive teams: Altitude Lab aims for 50% of our startups to have at least one underrepresented founder or executive and requires all companies to make a commitment to build inclusive businesses. Preference for residency will be given to exceptional executives from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

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Altitude Lab bridges the gaps for founders to make big strides—in all the ways their journey demands. Our grant programs help you along the way.

Trail Angel Grant

For exceptional founders and business ideas Altitude Lab offers the Trail Angel grant to cover the cost of 1 year of residency at zero cost and zero equity, a >$30,000 value. Grant recipients not only earn facility access but are coached through pitching, term sheets, and their top business challenges by leaders in their field. Grant recipients receive: 

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• 1 year of residency at zero cost, zero equity
• 1 wet lab bench and 2 desks in our co-working office
• Complete access to our facilities, services, and instrumentation
• 10 grants available, 5 of which are specifically for companies with at least one underrepresented founder or executives
  
  

Get There Travel Grants

Scored a key meeting with a top investor or partner and need to fly out tomorrow? We’ll make it possible. Travel grants are available for any resident company and recipients receive:

• Airfare up to $750
• Meals and accommodations for two days of travel

Join the Chris and Summer Gibson Founder Fellowship for underrepresented and first-time founders transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship. Here's what's included:

• Fellowship Focus: Empowering underrepresented and first-time founders in the transition from academia to entrepreneurship.

• Benefits for Fellows:$40,000 Stipend: Funding for entrepreneurial endeavors.
• 1 Year of Lab and Office Space: Access to world-class facilities, including wet lab bench and co-working space.
• Expert Mentorship: Quarterly sessions with Chris Gibson, co-founder, and CEO of Recursion.
• Discounted Resources: Deep discounts on select lab reagents and consumables.

• Eligibility: Open to underrepresented or first-time founders completing graduate or postdoctoral training within 12 months. Secure your place in the program today.

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