Fuel Accelerator Returns in 2026 with HealthTech and AI/ML Cohorts, Expanded Program Leadership and Strengthened Support

BENTONVILLE, AR — Fuel Accelerator enters 2026 with strong momentum, returning its two flagship cohorts across HealthTech and AI/ML tracks, expanded program leadership, and renewed support from long-standing public and philanthropic partners who have helped shape the accelerator since its earliest days.

Fuel is once again made possible through the support of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, having been awarded two of the twelve grants issued statewide through the 2026 Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program. Fuel was the only accelerator in Arkansas to receive two awards this year, demonstrating the program’s real-world impact and proven track record. The Fuel Accelerator program was launched by Startup Junkie in 2018 as a direct result of this same AEDC accelerator grant program.

The program also received renewed support from the Walton Family Foundation, whose 2026 backing represents its largest single-year commitment to Fuel since it began investing in the program in 2022. This milestone reflects sustained confidence in Fuel’s leadership, direction, and outcomes.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the trust and support Fuel continues to receive from AEDC and Walton Family Foundation,” said Caleb Talley, executive director of Startup Junkie Foundation. “They make the work possible, and we take these renewed investments in that work as validation of our team’s efforts and a responsibility to uphold the standard that’s been set and build on the program’s momentum.

“Fuel has always been a practical, founder-first program, and that will continue to be our focus even as we pursue strategic growth and deliver expanded offerings in 2026. It’s a new year, but the focus remains the same: show up, do the work, be good stewards and deliver outcomes for both our supporters trusting us with resources and founders trusting us with their valuable time.”

Fuel’s 2026 programming begins this spring with its HealthTech cohort, continuing the program’s focus on enterprise-ready innovation and real-world commercialization. Recruitment for the Spring 2026 HealthTech cohort is underway, with early interest reflecting Fuel’s growing reputation among founders from the Heartland and across the country.

A major update for the Spring 2026 HealthTech cohort is the addition of Diana McDaniel as Entrepreneur in Residence and program advisor. McDaniel brings decades of healthcare leadership experience across clinical operations, enterprise strategy, and system-level growth. She currently serves as CEO of Prosper Med and Managing Partner of MedExcellence and CSymplicity, advising healthcare organizations on operational strategy, technology, growth, and transformation. She currently also serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Community Clinic, a regional healthcare system.

McDaniel has held senior and executive leadership roles within healthcare systems across Arkansas, including serving as inaugural Vice President of Operations for Arkansas Children’s Northwest. She has also served on board positions with the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, MGMA, Camp Aldergate, Ozark Mission Project, and the Cancer Society, bringing a rare blend of enterprise, nonprofit, and community-focused perspective.

A Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives, McDaniel has served as a mentor to Fuel companies since 2024. Her depth of industry expertise, executive-level operating experience, and on-site presence throughout the program will be a significant benefit to participating cohort companies navigating complex healthcare markets.

“I’ve seen firsthand the tangible value Fuel delivers to the healthcare industry,” said McDaniel. “I’m excited to step into this role and support founders as they navigate the complexities of the enterprise market while building meaningful roots in our thriving Northwest Arkansas community. Connecting innovative healthcare technology founders from across the U.S. to Arkansas’s healthcare ecosystem creates the synergy needed to drive real advances in whole-person patient care.”

Fuel has also expanded its internal team with the addition of Danny Duong as Operations Manager, strengthening day-to-day execution and operational coordination across cohorts. Duong, a certified Project Management Professional and experienced UX and visual designer, brings a depth of operational and entrepreneurial experience, having founded multiple ventures. In fact, Duong previously participated in Startup Junkie’s 2.7.0 Accelerator program, an early precursor to Fuel, with Bespoke Knots, and was also a member of the Conductor’s inaugural 10X Accelerator with Housecall Telemedicine.

In addition to McDaniel and Duong, Fuel will welcome back world-class pitch coach, founder mentor, and serial entrepreneur Permjot Valia, who returns as an Entrepreneur in Residence and key advisor across both cohorts. Also returning as a key advisor in 2026 is Jeff Amerine, Startup Junkie founder, ecosystem veteran, and one of Arkansas’ most recognized entrepreneurial leaders, whose continued involvement reflects Fuel’s long-standing commitment to founder-first support. Fuel also benefits from the contributions of a deep bench of local mentors, subject-matter experts, and volunteers who play a critical role in supporting founders throughout the program.

These major additions, coupled with renewed investments and strategic partnerships, position the program to add to its long track record of success. Across 11 cohorts, Startup Junkie’s Fuel Accelerator has recruited and served more than 90 ventures from over 20 states and 11 countries, facilitated more than 150 enterprise pilots or commercial contracts, and supported companies that have collectively raised over $260 million in funding. As a result of participation in the program, 37 local offices have been opened by out-of-state participants, including 12 company headquarter relocations to Northwest Arkansas, two of which happening in just the last cohort that concluded in October.

“Continuous program improvement and growth is at the core of the Fuel mission. With this additional support through funding and strategic talent, I am incredibly optimistic about the work we have in front of us for the coming year,” said Grace Gill, Director of Fuel Accelerator. “This expansion allows us to deepen our commitment to positioning Arkansas on the world stage as a premier destination for technology and transformation, ensuring our state remains at the forefront of innovation. We are eager to dive into these initiatives and deliver even greater value to our cohorts and collaborators.”

Gill, who has served the program in various roles since 2022, stepped into the director role last summer and enters her second year leading Fuel following one of the strongest individual cohorts in the program’s history in terms of company outcomes. That optimism is bolstered, less than a month into the new year, having secured historic philanthropic support for the program and assembled one of the most experienced leadership and operations teams Fuel has had to date.

The Fuel Accelerator will once again be held fully in person from the University of Arkansas Collaborative’s Learning Lab facility at the Greenway Office Park, an innovative, multi-use campus that provides cohorts with a comfortable home base and access to classroom, conferencing, and coworking spaces within walking distance of downtown Bentonville, the Crystal Bridges campus, and the new Walmart headquarters.

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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 office space provided 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.

Media contact

Caleb Talley, Executive Director, Startup Junkie Foundation
caleb@startupjunkie.org | 479-879-7997

Grace Gill, Director, Fuel Accelerator
grace@startupjunkie.org | 316-305-1386