In a significant move to widen access to technology and skills for communities often left out of the digital economy, global tech company HP Inc., in partnership with the HP Foundation, has officially opened applications for its 2026 Future of Work Accelerator programme. The announcement made on January 12, 2026, comes against a backdrop of rapid change in employment trends and the increasing importance of digital skills in workplaces around the world. This is, according to a report on the HP official website.
This year’s edition of the Future of Work Accelerator marks a milestone for HP as it expands its reach both in scope and inclusivity. Organisations with a proven track record of impact in ‘disconnected communities’ across the United States are invited to apply before the February 6, 2026, deadline. It is the first time in the history of the programme that for-profit mission-driven enterprises can participate alongside nonprofit organisations. Five successful applicants will each receive substantial support designed to scale their work and help more people engage meaningfully in future job markets.
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Supporting Disconnected Communities with Funding and Technology
At its core, the Future of Work Accelerator 2026 is designed to empower groups that are tackling the persistent challenge of digital exclusion. The programme aims to support organisations that are already beyond the idea stage and are actively implementing solutions that increase technology access, strengthen digital skills, and open economic opportunities for people in underserved areas.
Successful organisations will receive a comprehensive package of support, including US$100,000 in funding, US$100,000 in HP hardware and technology solutions, and six months of virtual training provided by HP and its impact partners, MIT Solve and Global Impact Advisors. This combination of financial resources, technology tools, and expert guidance is intended to accelerate growth and enhance the capacity of organisations to reach more beneficiaries each year.
The focus this year is on groups supporting those most vulnerable to economic shocks, such as young people, on-demand workers, and small businesses. These segments have been identified as key to shaping the future of work because they often lack the institutional support and resources needed to adapt to rapid market shifts. Furthermore, HP’s own research, including the 2025 Work Relationship Index, highlights how essential access to technology and training is for confidence and success in the workplace.
The Digital Divide and the Skills Gap Threaten Economic Inclusion
The programme’s emphasis on supporting digital inclusion is grounded in clear evidence of the challenges facing today’s job seekers. According to research cited by HP, an overwhelming majority of jobs in the United States today require some form of digital skill, and those without such skills are increasingly disadvantaged in the labour market. This digital divide has been made more acute by the rise of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Although AI is driving innovation and creating new kinds of work, it also risks deepening inequality if people do not have the skills needed to benefit from these technological shifts.
HP’s accelerator project has been in operation since 2022 and has already supported 35 nonprofit organisations operating in 13 countries, helping them reach more than 11 million people with training, resources, and tools. The programme’s return to the U.S. this year, where it first began, reflects HP’s belief in strengthening local initiatives that can be models for inclusive economic development.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
Over the past decade, the nature of work has changed dramatically. Automation, AI technologies, remote working, and platform-based jobs have each reshaped how people find employment and build careers. While these shifts bring many opportunities, they also present challenges for those without reliable access to computers, broadband internet, or up-to-date technical training. Many regions and demographic groups remain cut off from the full benefits of these trends.
HP believes that equitable access to digital tools and education is crucial for communities to participate in the evolving work landscape. Through its Future of Work Accelerator and other social impact initiatives like HP LIFE, a free digital and business skills programme, HP is working to close the gap that often exists between high-growth economic sectors and the people who live in areas with fewer opportunities.
Antonio Lucio, Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at HP Inc., highlighted in the announcement that success for future workers depends on widespread access to technology, skills, and opportunity. His comments reflect a growing recognition among global employers that investing in workforce development is not only a matter of corporate social responsibility but a key element of business sustainability in a technology-driven economy.
Looking Ahead and Making an Impact
As HP celebrates its tenth anniversary and the fifth year of this specific accelerator initiative, the company reiterates its commitment to long-term systemic change. By 2030, HP has set an ambitious goal to help reach 150 million people worldwide through its various social impact programmes and partnerships. This includes the Future of Work Accelerator, digital training through HP LIFE, and collaborations with organisations like YMCA, Goodwall, Girl Rising, and others that focus on education and skills development.
Organisations that qualify for the 2026 Accelerator must demonstrate that their programmes reach a significant number of people annually and show measurable results in advancing opportunities within disconnected communities. This criterion ensures that support goes to initiatives with real momentum and the potential to drive lasting change.
For interested parties, further details, including eligibility criteria and application procedure,s are available on HP’s official accelerator webpage. The deadline for submissions is set at 5 p.m. Pacific Time on February 6, 2026.
In a world where digital skills are increasingly central to economic participation, the 2026 Future of Work Accelerator represents an important effort to ensure that more people are not left behind. By combining funding, technology, and expert support, HP is seeking to foster innovation and unlock opportunities that could shape not just organisational success but also the broader social and economic well-being of communities across the United States.
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