The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator has officially launched its second cohort and is now accepting applications for the spring 2026 cohort.
The accelerator aims to welcome 10 companies looking to disrupt the cycling industry, with founders from North America, Europe and Asia.
Launched in 2025, AGCA is quickly becoming a leading force in driving innovation and transformation within the cycling industry.
“In 2025, we welcomed 10 outstanding companies into the program. One of them, Blubrake, secured €12 million in Series A funding during the accelerator. Others successfully formed strategic partnerships or connected with key industry leaders to accelerate their business growth,” said Martial Trigeaud, cofounder and managing partner at Cardinal Cycling Group, and counder and cohort advisor of the accelerator. “Overall, the outcomes have exceeded our expectations, and the cycling industry is already looking ahead with strong interest in the companies joining the 2026 cohort.”
The 2026 cohort begins in early April with weekly virtual programming. The program culminates with an in-person week in Bentonville in early June, held alongside Bentonville Bike Fest and the National Bicycle Dealers Association Summit June 8–14.
Companies passionate about shaping the future of cycling are invited to apply to the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator 2026 cohort. Applications are now open at www.cyclingaccelerator.com. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, with the application window closing on Sunday, February 8th. Final selections for the 2026 cohort will be announced by March 6.
Experienced teams lead the program from the Startup Junkie Foundation and the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, a division of the Sam M. Walton College of Business. OEI’s internal Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program is involved as well.
For more information, please visit www.cyclingaccelerator.com or feel free to reach out to the AGCA team via the website’s contact page.
The program was sponsored by a $125,000 grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and a funding match from the Walton Family Foundation.
Feature image courtesy of Visit Bentonville
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