BENTONVILLE, Arkansas USA. (January 15, 2026) – The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA) 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, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Cardinal Cycling Group, and Founder 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," Trigeaud said.
The 2026 cohort begins in early April with weekly virtual programming. The program culminates with an in-person week in Bentonville, Arkansas, in early June, held alongside Bentonville Bike Fest and the National Bicycle Dealers Association (NBDA) Summit (June 8–14, 2026).
Companies passionate about shaping the future of cycling are invited to apply to the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA) 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.
"AGCA made it much easier for us to enter the U.S. cycling industry. We came away with the right introductions and a real understanding of how the U.S. market works. In just three months, we achieved what would normally take two to three years of networking and partnerships," said Ean Brown, Co-Founder and CEO of Skarper, a member of the 2025 AGCA cohort.
AGCA connects cohort companies with experienced industry mentors, strategic networks, and key resources to accelerate product development, refine go-to-market strategies, and build meaningful relationships. While AGCA does not take equity or provide direct funding, it offers valuable access to program partners and venture capital networks actively evaluating cohort companies.
"If you are building in cycling and you want a real pathway into the U.S. market, this program is a strong entry point. AGCA connects founders to the people who can validate, pilot, and adopt new solutions, and it does it in a region that lives and breathes cycling," said Jenn Dice, President and CEO, PeopleForBikes.
"Our team at PeopleForBikes is thrilled to partner with the Morgridge Family Foundation to support the AGCA, and strengthen workforce development in the cycling industry in NWA" AGCA's mission aligns closely with the ongoing investments in cycling infrastructure in Bentonville and across Arkansas, creating a unique ecosystem where tech-enabled cycling solutions can be tested, refined, and scaled.
With a strong focus on both business growth and cutting-edge technology, the accelerator is designed to support the long-term development of the cycling industry in Arkansas. 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 (GORP) 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.
About the Startup Junkie Foundation: The Startup Junkie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Northwest Arkansas that focuses on supporting entrepreneurs and fostering economic development. The foundation works to provide resources, mentorship, and educational programs to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, with a particular emphasis on serving underrepresented founders and rural communities.
About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and curates innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students across all disciplines. Through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio, and Startup Village, OEI provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions, and startup coaching. A unit of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and Division of Economic Development, OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.
