Branch 05 · The Accelerator
Now — The Accelerator
Today Jack Phan is Founding Director of the Oregon AI Accelerator, a Google-backed program that gives 20 startups up to $50,000 in equity-free grants — and he uses that platform to champion underrepresented founders.
Jack is Founding Director of the Oregon AI Accelerator, a Google-backed program launched November 17, 2025. The pilot supports 20 startups through a three-month hybrid program with up to $50,000 in equity-free grants — and the Accelerator takes no equity. It’s backed by a regional coalition including the Metro Region Innovation Hub, Portland State University, OHSU, OSU, the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, TAO, and TiE Oregon.
Championing founders
Jack uses the platform to back underrepresented, female, and BIPOC founders. Recent examples include:
- Menu Mingle — where Jack is co-founder & CPO, alongside Dru Holley.
- Accent Innovations — Dr. Katie Pierson’s work on aviation speech intelligibility.
The throughline
The work now is human-centered, responsible AI — building the ecosystem that lets others make their own crossings. Travel forward to Ferrari Brain, Bicycle Brakes, the throughline that connects every branch.