Startup Beach House: summer beach accelerator launches site, accepting applications

In a world where pop culture is increasingly embracing science and technology, the production of a startup reality series was probably only a matter of time.

Three Philadelphia based entrepreneurs, Municibid founder Greg Berry, Municibid, his chief marketing officer Mike Bianchini, and RazorServer’s vice president of technology Dave Drager, quietly announced plans to launch a week-long summer accelerator at the New Jersey sea shore —  Startup Beach House — in February. Now the promise is being realized, with the launch of a website and applications, as Berry announced to the Philly Startup Leaders listserv.

MTV, eat your heart out.

The plan is to select five applicants (or groups of applicants) with compelling startup ideas to live in a large, beige, six bedroom, 18 bed beach house in Avalon, N.J. from August 11 – August 18, 2012, according to the site.

Berry says applicants can come from anywhere, not just Philadelphia. Applicants are required to have a plan, but the criteria for acceptance to the House seem nebulous.

“We’re more concerned with the quality of teammates than the idea,” Berry said. “Mostly looking for people who share the same passion for entrepreneurship that we have.”

As the week unfolds, the action will be taped and published as a web series, though Berry told Technically Philly they haven’t decided yet whether to hire a crew or take on the videography themselves.

The site reports on-site amenities including: ” high speed internet, a deck with a view of the ocean, off-street parking and other typical beach house paraphernalia.”

It’s fair to wonder what could feasibly be accomplished in a week at the beach aside from some serious sunburn.

But the organizers say they expect participants to demonstrate a product or company by the Friday of that week.

“We’re hoping to have some awesome ideas or products developed during the week that go on to be huge hits,” Berry said. “And to have fun while doing it.”

“Oh and you never know,” Berry added. “The next Instagram could come out of the Startup Beach House.”

Applications are due May 31, 2012. The final selection is scheduled to be announced June 18, 2012. To request an application, click here.