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 aims to help drive innovation and transformation within the cycling industry. “In 2025, we welcomed 10 outstanding companies into the program,” said said Martial Trigeaud, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Cardinal Cycling Group, and Founder and Cohort Advisor of the accelerator.
“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. 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 programme 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 (8th to 14th June, 2026).
Companies passionate about shaping the future of cycling are invited to apply to the 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, 8th February. Final selections for the 2026 cohort will be announced by 6th March.
E-bike conversion kit company, Skarper, was one of the 2025 cohort members. Co-Founder and CEO, Ean Brown said: “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.”
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 programme 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 programme 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.
