HAX (formerly HAXLR8R) is a pre-seed, startup development program specializing in hard tech startups and headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. The 35,000-square-foot (3,300 m2) facility houses machine shops and mechanical, chemical, and electronics labs to support founders working on sustainability tech across climate, industrial automation, and human health.[1][2] Operated by the U.S. venture fund SOSV, HAX also has offices in Pune, Shenzhen, San Francisco, and Tokyo.[3]
History
Founded in 2011 by Cyril Ebersweiler and Sean O'Sullivan, the first HAX program ran in Shenzhen from March to June 2012.[4] More than 257 startups have completed the program.[5]
In September 2021, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced a partnership with SOSV to provide $25 million over five years to build the new HAX headquarters in Newark in exchange for launching 100 hard tech startups focused on health tech and "re-industrialization and decarbonization of the U.S."[6] The new HAX office opened officially on April 30, 2024 at an event featuring New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.[7]
Startups accepted into the HAX program receive an initial investment of $250,000 - $500,000 in pre-seed funding from SOSV and join a collaborative residency in Newark supported by staff design and engineering teams.[8][5] Once HAX companies complete the program, they typically raise series seed and later stage venture rounds, in which SOSV usually participates.[5]
Companies affiliated with the HAX program include: