As Artificial Intelligence continues to redefine industries globally, the number of startups building and utilizing AI is also on the rise. If you’re a startup founder looking to create the next OpenAI, it’s worth keeping in mind that, in addition to your technical knowledge, you’ll need resources, a network, and support to build and scale your AI startup. This is where ai startup accelerators, ai startup incubators, and ai corporate programs come in. Depending on their type, they can provide things like funding, access to cloud credits, introductions to partners, and mentorship from people who’ve been through it before. In this article, we’ve listed 20+ AI accelerators, startup incubators & programs that you can choose from based on your startup’s goals. If your accelerator, startup program or incubator is missing from the list, feel free to add it to our accelerator map at no cost.
Top AI Startup Programs
Mostly established by corporations, AI startup programs provide an effective way to access valuable resources like cloud credits, industry knowledge, and connections to help you acquire more clients. Corporations that establish these startup programs often aim to partner with the most promising startups completing the program, offering a potential pathway to securing enterprise clients. These startup programs are ideal for bootstrapping startups that want to retain control, as most of them are equity-free, allowing you to scale without giving up ownership.
1. IBM for Startups
IBM for Startups is an online program that empowers startups by offering access to IBM’s advanced technologies, resources, and enterprise network. Startups receive credits for IBM’s cloud infrastructure and AI tools like WatsonX, enabling them to build, scale, and innovate more quickly. Even if your startup isn’t AI-focused yet, you can explore ways to integrate AI through the WatsonX platform. The program also provides personalized technical support, mentorship from experts, and opportunities to pitch to IBM’s enterprise and investor network.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Geographic Focus: Global
- Location: Fully Remote
2. NVIDIA Inception
NVIDIA Inception is a global startup program focused on AI, data science, and high-performance computing (HPC). The program nurtures startups by providing access to GPU technology and deep learning tools, along with discounts on hardware and software. Members also receive technical resources, including free credits for courses at the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute and exclusive access to developer forums. The program also provides go-to-market support and connections to venture capitalists through their Inception Capital Connect platform. As startups grow, they can become Premier Members, unlocking additional marketing support and a dedicated relationship manager. NVIDIA Inception supports companies globally and accepts startups at all stages of development.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Geographic Focus: Global.
- Location: Fully Remote
3. Google AI First
Google AI First targets AI-centric startups aiming to solve significant global challenges. Startups receive Google Cloud credits and benefit from mentorship with Google’s AI experts. The program provides support in scaling AI-driven solutions, leveraging Google’s powerful cloud infrastructure to help startups build, deploy, and optimize AI models efficiently.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Location: Hybrid, typically with virtual programs and occasional in-person bootcamps.
- Geographic Focus: Global (with regional cohorts).
4. Intel® Liftoff for startups
Intel Liftoff is designed for startups working in AI, deep tech, and other cutting-edge fields. The program offers a mix of technical mentorship, cloud infrastructure resources, and access to Intel’s market ecosystem. Intel Liftoff helps startups integrate advanced technologies and reach key markets, with significant support for scaling their innovations.
Like other programs, Intel Liftoff is equity-free and offers a remote-first model with some hybrid options. The program provides global access and encourages startups to leverage Intel’s technology for growth in sectors like AI, HPC, and deep tech.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Location: Remote, with some hybrid options.
- Geographic Focus: Global
5. Microsoft for Startups
Microsoft for Startups helps startups accelerate their growth by providing access to Microsoft’s advanced cloud, AI, and development tools. The program offers up to $150,000 in Azure cloud credits, allowing startups to build, scale, and deploy AI and tech-driven solutions efficiently using Microsoft’s Azure infrastructure, including access to models like OpenAI GPT-4 and Meta’s Llama 2. Beyond technical resources, the program also offers 1:1 technical advisory from Microsoft engineers, who assist startups with AI implementation, infrastructure optimization, and scaling. Microsoft for Startups also provides access to productivity tools such as GitHub Enterprise, Microsoft 365, and Visual Studio, allowing startups to streamline their development processes.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Location: Remote.
- Geographic Focus: Global
6. The OVHcloud Startup Program
The OVHcloud Startup Program is designed to support AI and tech startups by offering a wide array of resources aimed at fostering innovation and growth. Startups and scaleups that join the program gain access to free cloud credits (up to €100,000), allowing them to utilize OVHcloud’s robust and scalable infrastructure to build, test, and deploy applications. In addition to cloud resources, the program provides personalized technical support, which includes one-on-one consultations with OVHcloud engineers to assist startups with their cloud infrastructure and product development. These consultations help startups optimize their cloud usage and overcome challenges in scaling their solutions.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Location: Remote with Hybrid Events.
- Geographic Focus: Global, headquartered in France.
7. Meta AI Startup Program
Meta, in collaboration with Hugging Face and Scaleway, launched a new AI accelerator program specifically for European AI startups. This initiative provides access to Meta’s AI tools, Hugging Face’s open-source resources, and Scaleway’s cloud infrastructure. The program offers mentorship, technical guidance, and the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts. The focus is on helping AI startups scale their solutions while contributing to the European AI ecosystem.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Location: Paris, France
- Geographic Focus: Open primarily to European startups.
Top AI Accelerators & AI Startup Incubators
AI startup accelerators and incubators provide resources and opportunities for startups to accelerate their development and scale their solutions. Startups at various stages—from ideation to growth—can benefit from these programs by gaining access to mentorship, technical expertise, cloud credits, funding opportunities, and networks of investors and corporate partners. Though, it is worth noting, unlike the ai startup programs, these startup incubator programs and accelerators for ai startups may require an entity and a minimum weekly hours dedicated to complete them.
8. The Ignition AI Accelerator
The Ignition AI Accelerator is a collaboration between NVIDIA and Tribe, based in Singapore. The program focuses on scaling AI startups through technical workshops, cloud credits, and expert mentorship in AI product development. Participants gain access to NVIDIA’s suite of tools and corporate partnerships, as well as networking opportunities with investors and VCs to accelerate their growth in the APAC region. The accelerator helps startups position themselves for government projects and global market access.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Location: Singapore
- Geographic Focus: Global (with an emphasis on Asia-Pacific)
9. AWS Generative AI Accelerator
The AWS Generative AI Accelerator targets generative AI startups with a focus on helping them build early-stage traction. Startups receive up to $300,000 in AWS credits and benefit from expert mentorship in AI model development and go-to-market strategies. This global program supports early-stage AI startups looking to scale and secure seed-stage funding within 18 months
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Location: Remote, Global
- Geographic Focus: Global
10. AI Venture Labs Accelerator
AI Venture Labs, headquartered in Dubai, is designed to support mature AI startups (pre-Series A). The program offers up to $75,000 in development services, free office space, and discounts on technology. The accelerator aims to help AI startups build hyperscale-ready solutions and gain access to a vast network of sales partners and industry specialists. The program is tailored to the needs of each startup and offers hands-on support throughout the acceleration process.
- Equity: Equity-Free
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Geographic Focus: Primarily Middle East, with global expansion support
11. AI Startup Incubator
The AI Startup Incubator (AISI) is dedicated to early-stage AI startups, offering tailored solutions to help startups scale. This ai startup incubator provides financial backing and mentoring through a network of 70 mentors across different industries. Startups benefit from AI technology expertise, personalized support, and access to global markets.
- Equity: Typically requires equity
- Location: Smichov, Czech Republic
- Geographic Focus: Europe, with global expansion potential.
12. Brinc AI Accelerator
Brinc AI Accelerator focuses on providing startups with product development support, mentorship, and investor introductions. Startups work with a diverse global network, and Brinc helps with distribution channels, business model refinement, and scaling.
- Equity: Typically requires equity
- Location: Hong Kong, Remote
- Geographic Focus: Global
13. NextAI
NextAI is an AI accelerator based in Canada, offering early-stage startups mentorship, capital, and access to a world-class curriculum. The program is run out of Toronto and Montreal but is open to participants globally. NextAI helps startups gain up to $100,000 in direct funding, and access to an extensive network of AI scientists and business leaders.
- Equity: No Equity
- Location: Toronto and Montreal, Canada
- Geographic Focus: Canada
14. AI Nexus Lab
AI NexusLab is run by Future Labs in New York City. The program focuses on accelerating early-stage AI startups by providing access to mentorship, resources, and funding. AI NexusLab emphasizes growth and scalability through tailored support, including partnerships with academic institutions and industry experts.
- Equity: Typically requires equity
- Location: New York, USA
- Geographic Focus: Global
15. A12 Incubator
AI2 Incubator is run by the Allen Institute for AI in the U.S. The incubator focuses on helping founders create AI-first startups with access to world-class research, resources, and funding. AI2 Incubator emphasizes building startups from scratch, offering significant funding and technical support from the AI2 research team.
- Equity: Typically requires equity
- Location: Seattle, USA
- Geographic Focus: Global
Bonus: Global Accelerators with Notable AI Alumni
In this section, we listed some of the most known global accelerator programs, although they are not solely focused on AI, their alumni includes dozens of massively successful startups in the AI startup industry. Therefore, if you aim for global markets, consider joining one of these accelerator programs.
16. Y Combinator
Y Combinator is one of the most prestigious startup accelerators globally, and its track record in AI is unmatched. The program has incubated several groundbreaking AI startups, including OpenAI, which developed GPT-3 and ChatGPT, now pivotal in generative AI. OpenAI has raised over $11 billion in funding and is valued at close to $30 billion, becoming a leader in AI research and applications. Another Y Combinator AI alumni includes Cruise, the autonomous driving company acquired by General Motors for over $1 billion, now working toward building driverless cars.
- Equity: Typically 7% in exchange for $500,000
- Location: Silicon Valley, USA
- Geographic Focus: Global
17. Techstars
Techstars is a global accelerator with a strong AI cohort across various industries. Notably, SendGrid, a cloud-based email delivery service leveraging AI, graduated from Techstars and went public before being acquired by Twilio for $2 billion. Pioneer.ai, an AI-driven company solving complex problems through machine learning, is another example of a successful AI startup from Techstars.
- Equity: Typically 6% for $120,000
- Location: Global (with locations in New York, Berlin, Tel Aviv, and more)
- Geographic Focus: Global
18. 500 Global
500 Global has helped launch many successful AI startups. Visabot, an AI-powered immigration assistance tool, raised millions in funding after completing the 500 Global accelerator. Tractable, an AI company specializing in computer vision for insurance claims, raised over $300 million and achieved unicorn status with a valuation of $1 billion.
- Equity: Typically 5% for $150,000
- Location: Global with branches.
- Geographic Focus: Global
19. Startupbootcamp
Startupbootcamp is a globally recognized accelerator with a strong track record in industry-focused innovation, including AI. The program has supported transformative AI startups such as AImotive, which uses artificial intelligence to develop scalable autonomous driving technology. AImotive has raised over $70 million and is partnering with major automotive players to shape the future of self-driving cars. Another AI-driven success story from Startupbootcamp is CloudWalk, a fintech company that uses AI to power next-generation payment solutions. CloudWalk has raised over $250 million and is revolutionizing financial services across Latin America.
- Equity: Typically 6% in exchange for €15,000
- Location: Global (offices in Europe, Asia, and the Americas)
- Geographic Focus: Global
20. Alchemist Accelerator
Alchemist Accelerator is one of the top enterprise-focused startup accelerators globally, known for nurturing deep tech startups, especially in the B2B space. The program has incubated notable AI-driven startups such as Rigetti Computing, a pioneer in quantum computing that integrates AI for cloud quantum solutions, transforming industries like finance and pharmaceuticals. Rigetti has raised over $200 million and is at the forefront of quantum-AI innovation. Another standout AI alumni includes LaunchDarkly, which leverages AI for feature management and rollout solutions in software development, improving operational efficiency for engineering teams globally.
- Equity: 5% for a $25,000 investment, with opportunities for additional funding.
- Location: San Francisco, USA
- Geographic Focus: Global
Looking fore more insights into AI? Download the “Winners in Artificial Intelligence Startup Industry” Report where we reveal the leading cities, countries and startups in the industry.
How to choose the right AI startup accelerator, incubator or program?
When selecting the right AI startup accelerator, incubator or startup programs, it’s important to look beyond immediate benefits like funding. The factors to evaluate are the accelerator’s track record, network, and industry relevance. A program with a proven history of success in AI startups can offer invaluable mentorship from founders and AI experts who understand the specific challenges of building AI-driven solutions. Moreover, the network an accelerator provides—whether through industry partnerships, investor introductions, or corporate collaborations—can significantly accelerate your startup’s growth and open doors to strategic opportunities.
Choosing an accelerator with deep AI expertise also means you’ll have access to cutting-edge tools and technology through partnerships with companies like IBM, NVIDIA, or Intel. This can be particularly beneficial for startups looking to scale their AI infrastructure and optimize model performance. Programs like Y Combinator, Alchemist Accelerator, and Startupbootcamp have demonstrated their ability to transform AI startups into global leaders, not just by offering resources but by providing tailored, hands-on support and access to markets critical for scaling.
If your accelerator, startup program, or incubator is missing from the list, feel free to add it to our accelerator map at no cost.
