About this programme
Tampa Bay Wave is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit startup accelerator founded in 2008 and based in Tampa, Florida, led by CEO Linda Olson. It supports tech entrepreneurs through mentorship, investor connections and free acceleration programs. Portfolio companies include Refactr, acquired by cybersecurity company Sophos, and LunaJoy, which went on to raise funding through Y Combinator.
The organization runs five zero-equity accelerator tracks: Tech|X (open to founders of all demographics and geographies, purpose-driven and cross-category), CyberTech|X (cybersecurity, with partners including A-LIGN, Bank of America, Thoropass and Potomac Law Group), HealthTech|X (health technology, connected to the Tampa Medical Research District), FinTech|X (financial technology, with USF's Muma College of Business and Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance as partners), and BlueTech|X (ocean and blue-economy innovation).
Every program is completely free for accepted startups: no equity stake, tuition or revenue share is taken in exchange for participation.
How it works
Each track runs as a cohort-based program lasting approximately three months, including mentorship sessions, workshops and peer learning, and ending in a Demo Day pitch event in front of investors.
After the program, founders can stay engaged year-round through Tampa Bay Wave's CORE membership program.
Application cycles and start dates vary by program; each track keeps its own current deadlines on its individual program page.
Who can apply
Most tracks target early-stage technology startups, typically pre-revenue through Series A.
Tech|X prioritizes underrepresented founders and is open to founders of all demographics and geographies; CyberTech|X is specific to cybersecurity ventures; HealthTech|X, FinTech|X and BlueTech|X are each scoped to their named sector.
A Florida presence, or intent to establish one, is preferred but not an absolute requirement.
How to apply
- Choose the relevant track (Tech|X, CyberTech|X, HealthTech|X, FinTech|X or BlueTech|X) and go to its individual program page on tampabaywave.org.
- Submit the online application covering startup stage, team composition, problem statement and target market.
- Check the specific program page for its current application cycle and start date, since these vary by track.
Frequently asked
Does Tampa Bay Wave take equity?
No. All five accelerator tracks are zero-equity: participation is free, with no equity stake, tuition or revenue share taken.
How long is the program?
Each cohort runs approximately three months, ending in a Demo Day pitch event.
What stage of startup is this for?
Most tracks target early-stage technology startups, typically pre-revenue through Series A.
Do I need to be based in Florida?
A Florida presence, or intent to establish one, is preferred but not an absolute requirement.
What happens after the program ends?
Founders can continue engaging with Tampa Bay Wave year-round through its CORE membership program.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.