The AI startup ecosystem is booming in 2025, and AI startup accelerators are at the heart of this rapid growth. From applied machine learning to robotics, synthetic data, and generative models, early-stage founders are building the future — and they're not doing it alone.
That's where AI startup accelerators come in.
These programs offer more than just capital. They connect startups with leading researchers, domain experts, investors, and enterprise partners to accelerate technical innovation and go-to-market. Below is a curated list of the top AI accelerators supporting founders around the globe.
Quick list of top AI startup accelerators in 2025
- Y Combinator: Iconic accelerator backing hundreds of AI-first startups across verticals.
- AI2 Incubator: Seattle-based builder of AI-native startups founded by the Allen Institute.
- Google for Startups Accelerator: AI: Equity-free support program for global AI and GenAI teams.
- Nvidia Inception: Scalable support for AI startups building on GPU and ML infrastructure.
- Techstars AI: Dedicated AI accelerator hosted in Montreal with global access to mentors and investors.
- Berkeley SkyDeck: University-backed program supporting deeptech and AI-focused research startups.
- Entrepreneur First: Talent-first accelerator for individuals building frontier AI companies.
- Deep Science Ventures: Combines science, AI, and venture creation to solve complex global challenges.
- Pi Campus: Rome-based accelerator and fund investing in AI-first startups across Europe.
- Conception X: UK-based program turning PhD research into deeptech and AI spinouts.
How to find the right AI accelerator
Not all AI accelerators are the same. Here's how to narrow down your list:
- Match by stage: Some accept idea-stage founders, others need MVP traction
- Tech depth: Choose a program that understands your R&D or IP-heavy roadmap
- Mentor fit: Look for AI researchers or industry veterans in the network
- Equity terms: Evaluate if they ask for equity and what you get in return
- Alumni support: Strong alumni mean better intros and follow-on funding
Use Papermark's investor database to explore accelerators by region, vertical, and stage.
How to send your pitch deck to AI startup accelerators in 2025
When applying to AI-focused accelerators, clarity and professionalism are essential. Your pitch deck should be delivered in a format that signals you're ready to scale.
Here's how to do it right:
- Don't send static attachments: Avoid email PDFs — they rarely stand out.
- Send a trackable link: Use Papermark to present your pitch in a dynamic and measurable way.
- Customize your outreach: Reference the accelerator's AI specialization or portfolio.
- Focus on depth: AI accelerators want to see your tech stack, data strategy, and go-to-market plan.
- Follow up with data: Track who viewed what, and for how long, then follow up with confidence.
Why use Papermark?
- Get notified when investor view your deck
- Track how long they were on each page of your deck
- Capture emails of investors who viewed your deck
- Protect your IP using watermark, screenshot protection and other link permissions
- Securely send data room with multiple documents
Table
| Accelerator | Location | Investment Size | Program Length | Focus Areas | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | US / Global | $500K | 3 months | AI, ML, Robotics | 90% |
| AI2 Incubator | Seattle, US | $500K | 6–12 months | AI-first startups | 85% |
| Google for Startups: AI | Global / Remote | Equity-free grants | 10 weeks | Applied AI, GenAI | 88% |
| Nvidia Inception | Global | Resources + credits | Ongoing | AI, GPUs, ML Infra | 84% |
| Techstars AI | Montreal, Canada | $120K | 13 weeks | AI/ML across industries | 86% |
| Berkeley SkyDeck | California, US | $200K | 6 months | AI, Deeptech | 87% |
| Entrepreneur First | London / Global | $80K | 3–6 months | AI-first individuals | 83% |
| Deep Science Ventures | UK / Global | Varies | 12 months | AI + science/tech | 80% |
| Pi Campus | Rome, Italy | €50K–€200K | 3–6 months | AI-first startups | 82% |
| Conception X | UK | Grant-based | 9 months | AI PhD spinouts | 84% |
1. Y Combinator
Legendary accelerator backing hundreds of AI startups, including OpenAI.
- Focus: AI, ML, Robotics
- Location: US / Global
- Program length: 3 months
- Investment: $500K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.ycombinator.com
2. AI2 Incubator
Founded by the Allen Institute, they build and fund AI-first startups from scratch.
- Focus: AI-first
- Location: Seattle, US
- Program length: 6–12 months
- Investment: $500K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.ai2incubator.com/
3. Google for Startups Accelerator: AI
A remote equity-free accelerator supporting promising AI startups globally.
- Focus: Applied AI, GenAI
- Location: Global
- Program length: 10 weeks
- Investment: Equity-free support
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/
4. Nvidia Inception
Ongoing virtual program providing startups with tech, marketing, and investor access.
- Focus: AI, ML, GPU-powered startups
- Location: Global
- Program length: Ongoing
- Investment: Credits / Exposure
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/startups/
5. Techstars AI
Focused accelerator on applied AI with investor demo days in Montreal.
- Focus: AI in SaaS, Health, Finance
- Location: Montreal
- Program length: 13 weeks
- Investment: $120K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators
6. Berkeley SkyDeck
A leading university-affiliated accelerator supporting AI and deeptech startups.
- Focus: AI, Deeptech, Research
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Program length: 6 months
- Investment: $200K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://skydeck.berkeley.edu
7. Entrepreneur First
Helps individuals find co-founders and build globally scalable tech companies.
- Focus: AI-first founders
- Location: London / Global
- Program length: 3–6 months
- Investment: $80K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.joinef.com
8. Deep Science Ventures
Combines scientific research with venture building to solve hard problems using AI.
- Focus: AI + science, health, energy
- Location: London / Global
- Program length: 12 months
- Investment: Varies
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://deepscienceventures.com
9. Pi Campus
AI-focused venture studio and accelerator based in Italy.
- Focus: AI-first startups
- Location: Rome, Italy
- Program length: 3–6 months
- Investment: €50K–€200K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://picampus.it
10. Conception X
Accelerator for PhD students building deeptech AI startups from university research.
- Focus: AI PhD spinouts, deeptech
- Location: UK
- Program length: 9 months
- Investment: Grant-based
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: https://conceptionx.org
Prepare for Demo Day: what AI accelerators expect
Most AI accelerators culminate in a Demo Day — a high-stakes presentation to investors. Here's how to make it count:
- Open with the problem and your AI edge
- Keep your slides clean and explain the tech clearly
- Show traction (or model results)
- Anticipate deep-tech questions
- Use Papermark to track investor engagement
Didn't find the right accelerator?
Browse over 7,000 accelerators, investors, and programs on Papermark.
Final Thoughts
AI startup accelerators offer more than funding — they provide community, credibility, and technical depth. Whether you're spinning out from academia or building with LLMs, one of these 10 programs might be the launchpad you need.
Use Papermark to present your deck professionally and stand out from the noise.