SHRM Labs Announces 2026 WorkplaceTech Accelerator Cohort
These startups are building the infrastructure modern workplaces will run on.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Today, SHRM Labs, a subsidiary of SHRM, announced the 2026 cohort of its WorkplaceTech Accelerator (WTA), reinforcing SHRM’s commitment to advancing the next generation of HR technology and shaping the future of work. Since launching in 2022, the Accelerator has served as a catalyst for workplace innovation: identifying, investing in, and supporting early-stage companies that are redefining how organizations operate, support employees, and make critical workforce decisions.
This year’s cohort reflects a broader transformation underway in HR technology: the shift from standalone tools to integrated, intelligence-driven systems that power how work gets done. As organizations increasingly adopt AI and people analytics to guide decision-making, these startups are building the digital infrastructure that enables more agile, data-informed, and human-centered workplaces.
“We’re witnessing HR step boldly into a new era driven by AI, people analytics, and real-time insights,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, President & CEO of SHRM. “These innovators are integrating AI and data into HR’s DNA, unlocking smarter hiring, empowering leaders, and building resilient organizations in an increasingly complex world of work.”
The 2026 WorkplaceTech Accelerator Cohort Includes:
Clearbrief: an AI platform founded in 2020 that brings legal-grade accuracy to HR and legal investigations directly inside Microsoft Word. Used across Fortune 500 companies, AmLaw 500 firms, government agencies, and global in-house teams, Clearbrief helps organizations rapidly convert interviews, documents, and evidence into hyperlinked, verifiable reports—strengthening compliance and organizational defensibility.
Mento: an AI- and operator-led leadership coaching platform designed to help companies retain and develop their most critical talent. Built on a proprietary LLM trained on more than 100 matching variables, Mento pairs leaders with coaches who’s functional, industry, and senior-level experience directly aligns with their needs. With an acceptance rate of about 1 percent for its coach network, Mento emphasizes quality, outcomes, and measurable ROI for HR and L&D teams.
Onwards HR: an off-boarding and severance compliance platform designed to automate, simplify, and humanize the employee transition process. By centralizing compliance steps, workflows, and documentation, Onwards HR enables organizations to navigate separations with accuracy, consistency, and empathy—reducing risk while supporting people through pivotal moments.
Testlify: an AI-powered skills assessment and interview platform that integrates with more than 100 ATS systems. The platform enables customers to create customizable assessments or choose from a library of more than 3,000 tests, deploy assessments in 14 languages, and use AI avatars to conduct case-study-style interviews. Testlify supports talent teams seeking more scalable, fair, and insight-driven hiring.
About the WorkplaceTech Accelerator Program
Through a blend of in-person and virtual programming, the WorkplaceTech Accelerator provides participants with:
Dedicated advisory councils tailored to each startup’s needs
Access to HR leaders, practitioners, and subject-matter experts for product feedback and market insights
Business development support and exposure through SHRM’s global community
An investment of $200K (SAFE Note) from SHRM Labs, with opportunities for additional milestone-based funding
Upon completing the program, participants join the SHRM Labs alumni network, gaining ongoing access to SHRM’s ecosystem of HR leaders, investors, and innovators across the globe.
2026 WorkplaceTech Solutions Showcase
A signature milestone of the program will be the live WorkplaceTech Solutions Showcase at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2026, where the cohort will demonstrate their solutions for HR executives, investors, and workplace technology influencers from around the world.
About SHRM
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues impacting today’s workforce. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM influences the work lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Learn more at SHRM.org.
Was this resource helpful?
Validate your HR expertise
Earning your SHRM-CP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.
Related Content
Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.
As artificial intelligence technology continues to develop, the demand for workers with the ability to work alongside and manage AI systems will increase. This means that workers who are not able to adapt and learn these new skills will be left behind in the job market.