Introducing Launch, Powered by KPMG

CHAPEL HILL, NC, April 2, 2025 – Launch Chapel Hill is joining forces with KPMG LLP, a leader in professional services, to introduce Launch, Powered by KPMG, an AI-enabled, next-generation accelerator program with Launch Chapel Hill that redefines how startups transition from ideation to commercialization. This groundbreaking collaboration will integrate Launch Chapel Hill’s accelerator expertise with the extensive capabilities of KPMG in AI, innovation, startup incubation, corporate venture capital, and go-to-market knowledge, providing cutting-edge industry insights and enterprise connections.

“This collaboration is not just about acceleration—it’s about delivering tangible outcomes,” said Cliff Justice, Head of Enterprise Innovation at KPMG. “Launch, Powered by KPMG will focus on helping startups refine their customer discovery process, validate market opportunities, secure pilot engagements and prepare them to scale. The accelerator will connect startups with extensive client networks at KPMG, providing direct exposure to enterprise challenges and commercialization pathways, leveraging the firm’s deep consulting experience.”

Unlike traditional accelerator programs, Launch, Powered by KPMG will help startups rapidly refine their customer discovery efforts and shape pilot engagements—getting to market faster. The collaboration aims to test, refine, and standardize this new model, making it a blueprint for other universities and corporate clients. By integrating AI automation, KPMG resources, and UNC’s startup pipeline, the program will serve as a beacon for university-corporate collaborations, unlocking $98 billion in annual university R&D spend and driving commercialization at scale.

“Launch Chapel Hill is collaboratively building an accelerator model to help startups at the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage identify an initial pilot or customer, which will catalyze their ventures in a transformative way,” said Emil Runge, Director of Launch Chapel Hill. “Entrepreneurs in emerging technologies need innovative approaches to accelerate their companies, and great collaborations like those with KPMG and Innovate Carolina will help that become a reality.”

“Innovation occurs through strategic collaborations,” said Dedric A. Carter, PhD, MBA, Vice Chancellor for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development and Chief Innovation Officer, UNC-Chapel Hill. “These efforts are at the heart of potential for our success in launching and growing new ventures. I’m excited to extend the partnership that Launch Chapel Hill has been engaged in with the Town of Chapel Hill and UNC-Chapel Hill to embrace the new talents of KPMG.”

Tapping Into Frontier Sectors

The accelerator will focus on key frontier industries identified by KPMG, ensuring startups operate at the cutting edge of innovation which include areas such as Quantum Computing, Semiconductors & Chips Innovation (Future of Compute), Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) & Advanced AI Applications, Crypto & Digital Assets, Industry 4.0 & Automated Manufacturing, Humanoid Robotics (AI & Robotics Convergence), and Biotech & Life Sciences.

“KPMG is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry to accelerate innovation,” said Brad Jenkins, Managing Director, KPMG Innovation & University Partnerships Leader. “By integrating our enterprise insights with Chapel Hill’s dynamic startup ecosystem, we are creating a scalable, AI-enabled accelerator model—one that sets a new standard for commercialization and can be expanded to universities and corporate partners globally.”

“Our goal is to create a global pipeline that accelerates startups working in these growing industries,” continued Sheryl Waddell, Chair, Launch Chapel Hill. “Collaborating with industry partners like KPMG is an exciting step forward as we work to build and connect startups that will serve our communities — turning bold ideas into real-world impact.”

Launch: A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

Founded in 2013 through a collaboration between UNC-Chapel Hill and the Town of Chapel Hill, Launch Chapel Hill has been at the forefront of early-stage startup acceleration, supporting more than 190 companies that have collectively raised over $100 million in funding. As a vital part of UNC’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Launch Chapel Hill has played a crucial role in fostering innovation by providing mentorship, funding, and structured pathways to market validation. Its alumni startups span various industries, from biotech and fintech to AI and clean energy, making it a powerhouse for regional and national entrepreneurial success.

Unveiling the Future: Celebrating the Collaboration & 5-Week Accelerator Program

Launch Chapel Hill and KPMG invite founders, investors, corporate leaders, and the broader innovation community to a special unveiling event.

Event Date: April 2, 2025, 4-7pm ET

Location: Innovate Carolina Junction, Chapel Hill, NC

What to Expect:

• Exclusive first look at the 5-week accelerator program kicking off in May 5, 2025
• Keynote speakers from KPMG, UNC, and Launch Chapel Hill leadership
• Networking with top founders, investors, and industry leaders
• Curriculum will equip founders with commercialization strategies, provide tailored mentorship and enterprise connections, offer an AI-enabled pathway to KPMG’s innovation resources and client network and help startups secure pilot projects. 

This is an opportunity for ambitious founders to fast-track their growth, gain industry validation, and build the next generation of AI-powered solutions. Join us as we kick off this new era of startup acceleration.

Register now to be part of the Launch, Powered by KPMG event and get early access to accelerator program applications: Accelerate - 'Launch Powered by KPMG' Tickets, Wed, Apr 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite.

About Launch Chapel Hill

Launch is UNC Chapel Hill’s leading startup accelerator, designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, funding, and a structured pathway to scale their ventures.

About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP is the U.S. member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 142 countries and territories and has more than 275,000 people working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to increasing access to education and opportunity, advancing mental health, and supporting community vitality. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.