HAX 2027: Deadline, Funding and How to Apply
Hardware and deep tech accelerator run by SOSV in Newark, New Jersey. Invests $250K: $150K in cash and $100K in services, on an uncapped SAFE.
HAX at a glance
- Next deadline
- Rolling admissions
- Next batch
- Rolling admissions, about 2 to 3 teams admitted per month.
- Funding
- $250K initial ($150K cash + $100K in-kind)
- Equity
- Post-money SAFE, no valuation cap (percentage not published)
- Program length
- 6 to 18 months depending on technical complexity
- Location
- Newark, NJ (also Princeton, NJ; Shenzhen, Tokyo offices)
- Stage
- Pre-seed, Seed
- Industries
- Hardware, Climate, Health, Industrial, Robotics, Energy
- Founded
- 2012
What is HAX?
HAX is the hard tech accelerator of SOSV, a venture firm founded by Sean O'Sullivan. It began as HAXLR8R in Shenzhen, China, with its first program in 2012, and was cofounded by Cyril Ebersweiler. HAX is now headquartered in a 35,000 square foot facility in Newark, New Jersey, built with support from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. A second site, HAX Plasma Forge, is planned in Princeton. HAX only backs hardware companies. Its focus areas are climate tech, health, energy, advanced compute, transportation and manufacturing, including plasma, physical AI and advanced chemistry. The first investment is $250K, made up of $150K in cash and $100K in in-kind support such as engineering, design and prototyping, paid out over the program. It uses a post-money SAFE with no valuation cap. SOSV can then invest up to $4M per company in follow-on rounds, typically up to Series C or D. What makes HAX different is the in house engineering and manufacturing team, which helps founders take a working prototype to production. HAX reports 440 startups backed, with a combined value of $11B and $3.5B raised. Portfolio companies include R-Zero, Neptune Robotics, Smartex and unspun.
How the HAX program works
HAX has no fixed cohort. It admits about two to three teams a month and the program lasts 6 to 18 months, depending on how complex the technology is. Most teams work out of the Newark facility, which has labs and prototyping equipment. HAX staff engineers and designers help with product design, sourcing and manufacturing. The business team helps with business development, marketing and fundraising. The $250K investment is paid in 30 day intervals over the program, part in cash and part in services. Teams can also connect with SOSV offices in Shenzhen, Pune and Tokyo for supply chain work. After the program, SOSV can keep investing through its funds and usually takes a non voting board observer seat.
What HAX looks for
HAX invests only in hardware companies. Its FAQ asks for a validated problem, a strong founding team and a working prototype. Common reasons for rejection include small markets, concept stage products without a prototype, crowded spaces, weak defensibility, solo founders who rely on contract engineers, and products that are not hardware. Focus areas are climate, health and industrial technology, plus energy, advanced compute and transportation.
How to apply to HAX
- 1Submit the HAX application on sosv.com/apply/hax and confirm you are building a hard tech product.
- 2Upload a pitch deck, a company description of 140 characters or less, founder details with LinkedIn profiles, your cap table and prior fundraising.
- 3Choose the location: HAX Newark or HAX Plasma Forge in Princeton.
- 4If there is a fit, complete three to four interviews, mostly remote. HAX aims to decide within two weeks of the first interview.
- 5If accepted, close the $250K SAFE and start work at the Newark facility.
Applying with a pitch deck?
Get a free score and slide-by-slide feedback before you submit, with our AI Pitch Review.
Notable HAX alumni
- R-Zero
- Neptune Robotics
- Smartex
- unspun
Startup perks to claim once you are accepted
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
HAX vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAX | $250K initial ($150K cash + $100K in-kind) | Post-money SAFE, no valuation cap (percentage not published) | Newark, NJ (also Princeton, NJ; Shenzhen, Tokyo offices) | Rolling admissions |
| SOSV | Up to $550K pre-seed | Above 10% ownership targeted | San Francisco, New York City and Newark, NJ | Rolling admissions |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | €150K to €5M (reported range) | Minority stake, no standard percentage published | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
| EIC Accelerator | Grant below €2.5M + €1M to €10M equity | None on grant; equity or quasi-equity via EIC Fund if blended finance | EU and Horizon Europe associated countries | November 4, 2026 (8 days left) |
| PearX | $500K to $2M | Pear targets about 7% ownership | San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco and Menlo Park) | Rolling admissions |
| Dreamit Ventures | $500K to $1.5M initial investment | Not published (venture investment) | New York | Rolling admissions |
HAX FAQ
When is the HAX application deadline?+
HAX reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.
How much does HAX invest?+
HAX's first investment is $250K: $150K in cash and $100K in in-kind support such as engineering, design and prototyping. It is paid in 30 day intervals over the program on a post-money SAFE with no valuation cap. SOSV can invest up to $4M more per company in follow-on rounds.
Where is HAX located?+
HAX is headquartered in a 35,000 square foot facility in Newark, New Jersey. A second site, HAX Plasma Forge, is planned in Princeton. HAX started in Shenzhen in 2012 and SOSV still has offices in Shenzhen, Pune and Tokyo that help teams with supply chains.
Can software startups apply to HAX?+
No. HAX only invests in hard tech, meaning companies building a physical product. Its FAQ lists non hardware products as a common reason for rejection. SOSV runs other programs, such as IndieBio for life sciences, for startups outside HAX's scope.