SHRM Labs, the innovation arm of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), announced that applications are now open for its 2026 WorkplaceTech Accelerator (WTA) program. Now in its fifth year, the program is designed to fast-track high-growth technology startups tackling the most pressing workplace challenges. The application window runs from September 1 through November 1, 2025.
The 12-week program provides participants with a $200,000 equity investment from SHRM and grants unparalleled access to the organization’s expansive HR network and platforms. Startups also receive guidance from a curated advisory council of HR and business experts, culminating in showcases at SHRM’s major conferences.
“The WorkplaceTech Accelerator is designed to find and foster the next generation of technologies shaping the future of work,” said Andy Biladeau, Chief Transformation Officer at SHRM. “We provide founders with the connections, capital, and deep industry insights necessary to tackle some of the biggest business challenges organizations are facing today. It’s a unique opportunity for startups to gain direct feedback and business development exposure from the very leaders they aim to serve.”
Since its inception, the WTA program has supported over a dozen startups, collectively generating more than $150 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) and reaching a combined valuation of $1.2 billion. Startups in the 2024 cohort saw a 44% ARR increase within six months of graduating.
Notable alumni include Sparrow, a leave management platform from the inaugural 2022 cohort, which recently raised $35 million in Series B funding, bringing its total investment to $64 million.
For TransCrypts, a blockchain-based employment verification startup and 2025 WTA graduate, the program proved transformative.
“Participating in the SHRM Labs Workplace Accelerator was one of the most transformative experiences for Transcrypts,” said Zain Zaidi, Co-founder & CEO. “The program not only connected us with visionary HR leaders and mentors but also gave us the tools, insights, and community to sharpen our product and accelerate our impact. The support and guidance we received have been invaluable in shaping our growth journey, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to any founder looking to reimagine the future of work.”
The WorkplaceTech Accelerator continues to attract startups looking to scale and gain credibility with the world’s largest HR organization. Participants benefit from an immersive mix of virtual and in-person events, mentorship from top HR executives, and long-term inclusion in the SHRM Labs alumni network.
Startups interested in applying can find details on program benefits and eligibility on the SHRM Labs website here.
