Pipeline Reveals New Founder-First Cohort, Fueling Midwest Innovation Surge

The elite entrepreneur network is growing its ranks and ensuring the best of Midwest innovation stays in the region.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Pipeline Entrepreneurs, a founder-focused program in the Midwest, has announced its new slate of fellows for 2026. The cohort includes a diverse group of entrepreneurs working in areas like deep-tech, life sciences, ag-tech, and specialized manufacturing. Pipeline's CEO Melissa Vincent says the program is focused on supporting founders and fueling a robust regional economy, without entrepreneurs having to leave the Midwest.

Why it matters

Pipeline's mission to keep top Midwest talent and innovation in the region is crucial as the area continues to emerge as a hub for entrepreneurship. By providing resources, leadership programming, and mentorship to high-performing founders, the organization is helping to build a more diverse and sustainable economy across urban and rural communities.

The details

The 2026 Pipeline fellowship cohort includes entrepreneurs working on advancements in AI, automation, digital health, and ag-tech. In addition to the new fellows, Pipeline also revealed its latest Pathfinder members - a program designed to support early-stage founders from underserved Midwest communities. Three 2025 Pathfinders are among those making the jump to the Pipeline Fellowship this year.

  • Pipeline officially announced its new slate of fellows on February 11, 2026.
  • Orientation for the new cohorts began in January 2026.
  • Pipeline has set June 5, 2026 for its Innovators Daytime Showcase and Gala.

The players

Melissa Vincent

CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs, the organization running the fellowship program.

Gharib Gharibi

Founder of Archia, a company working on AI agent advancements and a new member of the Pipeline Fellowship.

Isaac Collins

Founder of Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate, and a newly selected Pipeline Fellow with over 14 years of entrepreneurial experience.

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What they’re saying

“We have assembled a powerful group of founders, ranging from deep-tech and life sciences in our urban hubs to ag-tech and specialized manufacturing in our rural communities. By bringing together these founders, we aren't just supporting individual businesses; we are fueling a diverse regional economy.”

— Melissa Vincent, CEO, Pipeline Entrepreneurs (startlandnews.com)

“Pipeline is not performative. The orientation made clear this is a room where founders can bring the questions they'd never ask their investors or their teams: the strategic bets that keep you up at night, the decisions where the honest answer is 'I don't know yet.' This program seems to optimize for the truth, and that's where the real leverage is.”

— Gharib Gharibi, Founder, Archia (startlandnews.com)

“My selection into the Pipeline program paints a story that even though I have more than 14 years of experience, business is now and will forever be so hard. Every level of entrepreneurship unlocks a new level of struggle and opportunity, and that's what we are facing.”

— Isaac Collins, Founder, Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate (startlandnews.com)

What’s next

Pipeline has set June 5, 2026 for its popular Innovators Daytime Showcase and Gala, where the new cohort of fellows will have the opportunity to present their work.

The takeaway

Pipeline's mission to keep top Midwest talent and innovation in the region is crucial as the area continues to emerge as a hub for entrepreneurship. By supporting founders across diverse industries and communities, the organization is helping to build a more robust and sustainable economy in the Midwest.