About - Altitude Lab

TechBio

We continue to be excited by startups that can generate unique, high-quality data sets to support AI model development. With so little biology understood and the pace of model and compute availability surging we are excited by companies who can stand up data elegantly and efficiently to accelerate medicine.

Autonomous lab and science agents

The second wave of autonomous labs is here and we’re compelled by startups that carefully understand their customer and build for specific scientific processes and challenges, augmenting how biologists and chemists work.

Biomanufacturing

With new modalities rapidly emerging, we observe that manufacturing could be the difference in an increasingly competitive global market. We're motivated by new methods, enzymology, engineering, and applications in AI to secure the development of new medicines.

High-content data generation platforms

With the demand for data soaring, there is an opportunity for new tools, methods, and platforms to be the center of value. Escaping the requirement for massive capex or thousands of square feet of robotics labs is an opportunity we want to see realized.

Frequently asked questions

Eligibility
and Focus

What types of companies is Altitude Lab looking to admit?

Altitude Lab is an accelerator/incubator focused on life science and health care companies. While the content of our programming is focused on our thesis areas, we will consider and admit startups building venture-scale technology companies across any of the life science verticals.

What is the required stage and size for applicant companies?

Altitude primarily accepts early-stage companies with generally 5 or fewer employees and a soft limit of $2M in dilutive funding or annual revenue. However, we are open to discussing unique situations if you exceed these guidelines and believe you are still an early-stage startup.

What is the expectation regarding the team's experience?

Founders' and executives' professional backgrounds should align with their technology or business ambition.

Does Altitude Lab prioritize diversity and inclusion?

Yes, strongly. Altitude aims to have 50% of its startups include at least one underrepresented founder or executive and requires all companies to commit to building inclusive businesses. Preference for residency and grants is often given to exceptional leaders from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

The Application Process

How do I apply for residency at Altitude Lab?

The standard process involves:

Filling out the online application form.
Submitting a pitch deck or executive summary with your application.
Interviewing with our team.

What happens after I submit my application?

Our Admissions team will review your application to assess your fit with our program, and if you pass our initial screening, an email inquiry for a 45-minute interview with the team will be extended. Following the interview, the team will make a recommendation to our board to admit or reject your startup application.

Is admissions rolling or on a cohort basis

Altitude admits on a cohort basis. Three cohorts are formed per year in January, May, and September. Previously we admitted on a rolling basis, this program was closed in October 2025.

What happens if I submit a late application for a cohort?

We are always open to great ideas and will do our best to make sure that you are included in the next cohort. Feel free to email us about this so our team can address it on time.

How long does the application review process take?

Altitude Lab makes every effort to notify you of your application status within 2-3 weeks of applying.

What happens if I am also applying for a grant?

Grant applicants follow the same application process and typically have an additional interview to ensure fit and match to the grant.

Program details and benefits

What is the typical duration of the residency program?

Altitude Lab’s program is 24 months. Founders who raise seed funding sooner may accelerate their graduation.

What key resources are included in the residency?

Residents get access to:

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Over 5,000 sq ft of active co-working lab space, including shared cell culture facilities and approximately $1M of molecular biology tools.
Mentorship and Guidance: Our program us designed to help guide founders, offering personalized coaching and support from industry experts. In addition, each founder will get the opportunity to be paired with a mentor from our national network.
Investor Network: Opportunities to connect with our investor network of healthcare venture capitalists through office hours, RISE, Horizon, and other events.

Office/Admin Support: Fully equipped co-working office space, administrative management (maintenance, inventory), and package reception.

What is the Trail Angel Grant?

The Trail Angel Grant is a non-dilutive grant (zero cost, zero equity) offered to exceptional founders and business ideas. It covers 1 year of residency (including a wet lab bench and desks) and includes coaching on pitching, term sheets, and business challenges.

What is the Chris and Summer Gibson Founder Fellowship?

The Chris and Summer Gibson Founder Fellowship includes a $80,000 stipend, 1 year of lab/office space, and quarterly mentoring sessions with Chris Gibson. The Gibson Founder Fellowship is available only to startups with a founder who has recently transitioned from academia or an academic training program into industry (within 1 year).

Can I still apply for the Altitude Lab Fund?

Yes, the fund is still accepting applications, as recipients are going to be announced on a rolling basis in 2026. The current expectation is that fund awardees will be announced in the 1H of 2026.