AI startup accelerators (2026)

Accelerators and programs that back AI and machine-learning startups, from foundation-model infrastructure to applied AI products. We list 13 programs below, with each one's cheque size, equity and application questions.

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  a16z START

  a16z's pre-seed program. $500K on a standard SAFE with deep access to their specialized practices in AI, crypt...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  $500K

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• 

  Boost VC

  Run by Adam Draper. Focuses on "sci-fi" tech — if it sounds like it belongs in a movie, they're interested. AI...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  $500K

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• 

  betaworks Camp

  betaworks' accelerator runs thematic cohorts (AI Camp, Synth Camp, etc.). Strong in consumer AI and media. The...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  $250K

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• 

  Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

  University-affiliated program (originated at U of T). Unique model: fellows (angels/VCs) set milestones every...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  —

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• AI

  AI Grant

  Grants from Nat Friedman and Daniel Gross for AI researchers and builders. No equity. $25K-$250K to work on AI...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  $250K · 0%

  Log in to apply
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  Microsoft AI Founders Hub

  $250K SAFE plus $350K in Azure and OpenAI credits. Weekend summit format plus ongoing Slack community. Great d...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  $250K

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  AI2 Incubator

  Allen Institute's incubator. Small checks but unmatched access to 200+ AI researchers and academic IP. Must re...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  $150K

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• Ze

  Zeroth.AI

  Asia's first AI accelerator. Based in Hong Kong with strong connections to Chinese and Southeast Asian markets...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  $120K · 7%

  Log in to apply
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  NEO

  One of the most exclusive programs for young technologists and AI founders. $20K grant with no equity. 3-week...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  $20K · 0%

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• Co

  Conviction Embed

  Sarah Guo's fund (Conviction) embeds founders-in-residence who explore AI ideas with the firm's support, then...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  —

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  Google for Startups Accelerator

  Google's equity-free accelerator. Multiple programs (AI-first, Cloud, Climate, Women Founders). $200K+ in Goog...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  0%

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  IDEO CoLab Ventures

  IDEO's venture arm. Combines world-class design methodology with seed investment. Unique for startups that nee...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  —

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  NEXT AI

  Canada's AI accelerator. No equity taken. Access to Canada's AI research hubs (Mila, Vector Institute). Good f...

  answer time varies

  Rolling

  0%

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