Fuel Accelerator, the equity-free, enterprise-focused accelerator operated by the Startup Junkie Foundation, has been named one of America's Best Incubators and Accelerators of 2026 by TIME and Statista. Fuel ranked No. 59 nationally on the inaugural list of 80 programs, and is the only Arkansas-based program to earn a place on it.
The recognition comes as Fuel opens its 13th cohort today, Tuesday, August 25, welcoming 12 AI/ML companies to Northwest Arkansas. A kickoff event celebrating the new cohort is scheduled for this evening in downtown Bentonville. Registration for the event has closed, as it has reached capacity.
The ranking places Fuel among the most established names in American startup support, including Techstars (No. 1), MassChallenge (No. 2) and Y Combinator (No. 4). TIME and Statista built the list through a multi-stage research process combining an open application, structured feedback from program alumni, analysis of each program's track record, and expert recommendations.
"Our inclusion on this list only further validates the work done to help put Fuel cohort companies in the best position to succeed," said Caleb Talley, Executive Director of Startup Junkie. "No smoke and mirrors, no ceremony or performative programming, but real work for real founders that have delivered real results — as recognized by TIME."
Fuel launched in late 2018 with a supply chain and logistics cohort, built around the enterprise buyers concentrated in Northwest Arkansas. The program shifted its focus to AI and machine learning in 2020, added a HealthTech track in 2023, and piloted a cybersecurity cohort in 2024. Since 2025, Fuel has run two cohorts annually: HealthTech in the spring and AI/ML in the fall.
"Continuous improvement has always been a key piece of our ongoing strategy with Fuel as we grow — not just in the delivery of the program, but in the areas we touch, having expanded into other verticals to better serve the founders and enterprises in the Heartland," said Grace Gill, Director of Fuel Accelerator. "We're excited about this announcement, not just because of the validation of that effort, but because of the new benchmark it sets and how it pushes us to continue to strive to do better."
Each cohort brings a small class of enterprise-ready B2B companies to Northwest Arkansas for an intensive 10-week program built around pilots, procurement, and capital access. Founders pay nothing and give up nothing – no equity, no fees.
"Founders aren't coming here for a check or to go through the motions," said Danny Duong, Fuel Operations Manager. "They come to get in a room with the buyers who can turn their product into a contract, and to leave with a pipeline they didn't have ten weeks earlier."
Across 12 completed cohorts, Fuel has supported more than 100 portfolio companies from 11 countries and 20-plus states. Those companies have raised more than $260 million in capital and secured more than 150 enterprise pilots and commercial contracts, with several relocating their headquarters to Northwest Arkansas and adding jobs in the region. The 12 companies joining today's AI/ML cohort are not included in those totals.
Fuel was made possible with grant funding from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and generous support from the Walton Family Foundation and has also historically benefited from congressional funding secured by Congressman Steve Womack to help scale the program.
Program information is available at fuelaccelerator.com. The full ranking is available at TIME.
About Fuel Accelerator
The Fuel Accelerator program is a 10-week enterprise-ready accelerator designed to help seed and growth-stage tech startups become enterprise ready. It provides startups with the training, resources, and connections necessary to accelerate the adoption of tangible technology solutions. Unlike traditional accelerators, Fuel focuses on operational value training in addition to venture capital coaching. The program offers hands-on education, workshops, and feedback sessions, allowing participants to gain nurtured relationships and valuable insights. Fuel is a no-cost and no-equity accelerator based in Northwest Arkansas with offices in the University of Arkansas Learning Lab at The Collaborative in Bentonville.
About Startup Junkie Foundation
Startup Junkie is a mission driven organization that exists to improve lives through innovation and entrepreneurship. With a goal to stimulate economic growth in the region, the organization provides a variety of services including mentorship, consulting, training, and more. Startup Junkie has an extensive network of partners and professionals that are dedicated to enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northwest Arkansas. The organization has served thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners through one-on-one consulting, curated programs and over 200 events a year.
