Zero Labs Hosted Ninth Innovation Startup Cohort
Thirteen companies finished a three-day intensive accelerator program at UNLV last week.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Casino
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Local entrepreneurs and startup founders recently gathered at UNLV's Black Fire Innovation to participate in the ninth cohort of the Zero Labs Innovation Launchpad. The three-day accelerator program supported 13 startups selected from over 100 applicants.
Why it matters
The program aims to bridge the gap between early-stage product development and high-quality investment opportunities in the Las Vegas gaming and resort sectors. By aligning with local industry conventions, the initiative works to accelerate regional company execution.
Participating cohorts have raised roughly $30 million collectively, with 50 percent of companies based in Nevada and 30 percent affiliated with UNLV. The program success rate currently stands at 76 percent of companies still in operation out of 145 total supported since 2024.
The players
Zero Labs
An accelerator firm that hosts intensive programs for early-stage gaming and casino startups.
UNLV's Black Fire Innovation
The campus facility where the Innovation Launchpad program was hosted.
Governor's Office of Economic Development
A state agency that partnered with Zero Labs to support the accelerator program.
The Knowledge Fund
A funding entity that partnered with Zero Labs for the ninth cohort.
The details
Zero Labs condensed its typical curriculum into three days of intensive work for this cohort. Supported by the Governor's Office of Economic Development and The Knowledge Fund, the accelerator remains free for accepted founders. About 30 percent of the companies are based in other states, while 20 percent are based in other countries.
Timeline
September 25-27, 2026: The ninth Innovation Launchpad cohort completed its intensive three-day program.
July 2026: Zero Labs previously held the SEI-CON accelerator program.
Beyond the Strip
This program aligns with the strategic objectives of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development's Knowledge Fund to stimulate high-tech investment in the valley. It follows the precedent of recent initiatives designed to foster local gaming technology startups outside of traditional resort operations.
Local founders and aspiring entrepreneurs should keep an eye on future application windows for the Innovation Launchpad to access mentorship and state-supported resources. Founders can monitor Zero Labs' alignment with major industry conventions to predict the timing of the next program cohort.
The takeaway
The program successfully keeps 76 percent of its cohorts in operation by condensing long-term development into intensive three-day cycles. Entrepreneurs should watch for future announcements regarding the tenth cohort as the program continues to draw 30 percent of its applicants from outside the U.S.
Further reading
For more news on how the regional gaming industry is evolving, visit Casino.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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