Solana Incubator Opens Sixth Cohort Applications
Solana Labs is recruiting teams for a three-month incubator program in New York City starting March 2027.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Startups
Solana Labs announced on November 2, 2026, that applications are open for the sixth cohort of the Solana Incubator, which will admit 4 to 6 teams. Applications close December 4, 2026, and admissions run on a rolling basis.
Why it matters
The program offers selected teams hands-on help from Solana Labs staff, a relocation stipend, and mentorship from industry leaders. Seven of 18 early alumni have raised more than $5 million, including alumni Sanctum and Marinade.
Seven of the 18 early Solana Incubator alumni have raised more than $5 million, according to the program's announcement. Cohort 6 will admit only 4 to 6 teams, and the extraction does not disclose how many teams applied.
The players
Solana Labs
Solana Labs is the company that develops and promotes the Solana blockchain and runs the Solana Incubator program.
Emon Motamedi
Emon Motamedi leads the Solana Incubator and oversees its cohort-based support for startups.
Sanctum
Sanctum is a Solana-based project and a graduate of the Solana Incubator program.
Marinade
Marinade is a Solana liquid staking protocol and an alumnus of the Solana Incubator program.
The details
Cohort 6 targets existing Solana teams, Web3 teams building on other platforms, and Web2 teams, and the program kicks off in March 2027 in New York City. Emon Motamedi leads the incubator, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with early submissions receiving an advantage.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Solana Labs announces applications for Cohort 6.
December 4, 2026: Applications close.
March 2027: Cohort 6 begins and runs for three months.
Market Landscape
Cohort-based accelerators such as Y Combinator established the model of small, time-limited startup cohorts with mentorship and funding. Solana Labs' incubator applies that structure to blockchain developers, competing for founders building on or moving to the Solana network.
Founders weighing blockchain projects in New York City can apply until December 4, 2026, with early submissions receiving an advantage on a rolling basis. Selected teams would relocate for a three-month program that includes a stipend and direct access to Solana Labs staff.
The takeaway
Early application matters because admissions run on a rolling basis with only four to six teams chosen. Founders should weigh whether the three-month New York City residency fits their timeline before the December 4, 2026 deadline.
What happens next
Applications for the Solana Incubator's sixth cohort close on December 4, 2026, ahead of the program's March 2027 start.
Further reading
Explore more startup news coverage on how emerging companies are funded and supported in New York City.
