Applications open 2026
PugliAI Accelerator: sixteen weeks for your AI-driven startup.
A founder with the right AI tools can do the work of a team. In 16 weeks we build an AI-native startup with you: automations, dedicated mentorship and a bridge to Singapore through the ISSA partnership.
Cohort 2026 · sample
- 8–10 startups selected
- Weekly 1:1 mentorship
- Demo Day with investors
The PugliAI Accelerator is a 16-week acceleration programme for AI-driven startups, run by PugliAI in Italy. Each cohort selects 8–10 startups and includes over €100,000 in total value, weekly mentorship and a bridge to Singapore through the ISSA partnership.
- Duration
- 16 weeks, in four phases. Cohorts of 8–10 selected startups. Applications open for 2026.
- Value included
- Over €100,000 in total: more than €50,000 in AI services (HR, sales and marketing automations, VoiceAI and KnowledgeAI trials, technical implementation) and up to €50,000 of support on Italian and European grants.
- Cost of participation
- No fixed model: terms (equity, fee, revenue share or a mix) are defined case by case during selection.
- Singapore
- Through ISSA (Italian-Singapore Strategic Alliance): access to over 500 Asian investors, support with incorporation in Singapore, office space and a soft-landing week for the top startups.
- How to apply
- Online form; selection assesses stage, team and market. Reply within 24 hours, decision in about three weeks.
The journey
Four phases, from idea to market.
01
Foundation (weeks 1–4)
Business-model validation, AI strategy and team assessment.
02
Build (weeks 5–10)
AI product development, operational automations and prototype refinement.
03
Scale (weeks 11–14)
Go-to-market strategy, sales automation, investor preparation.
04
Launch (weeks 15–16)
Demo Day, investor pitch and the bridge to Singapore.
What you get
A complete package to grow.
AI services included
Ready-made HR, sales and marketing automations, VoiceAI and KnowledgeAI trials, technical implementation included. Worth over €50,000.
Grant and funding support
Guidance on Italian (Smart&Start, Invitalia) and European grants. Up to €50,000 of support, with the ISSA programme for expansion to Singapore.
Mentorship
Weekly 1:1 sessions with a lead mentor, expert workshops every two weeks, monthly access to the advisory board.
Singapore
Over 500 Asian investors, support with incorporation in Singapore and a soft-landing week for the top startups of the cohort.
Demo Day and investors
Final event with Italian funds and investors and the ISSA network, intensive pitch preparation, 1:1 meetings.
Alumni network
Permanent access to the AI founders community in Italy and mentorship opportunities for future cohorts.
AI services included
Over €50,000 in ready-made automations.
HR automation
Worth €15,000- Automated candidate screening
- Onboarding automation
- Performance dashboard
Sales automation
Worth €20,000- AI lead qualification
- Personalised automated outreach
- CRM integration and forecasting
Marketing automation
Worth €15,000- Assisted content creation
- Social media automation
- Email marketing with analytics
On-premise product trial
Worth €10,000- VoiceAI trial deployment
- KnowledgeAI pilot
- GDPR compliant, no external data
Partnership model
No fixed model: we assess every project.
Terms (equity, fee, revenue share or a mix) are discussed during selection, based on:
- Current stage (idea, prototype, first revenue)
- Team composition and experience
- Size of the market opportunity
- Support needed
- Interest in expanding to Singapore
- Strategic fit with PugliAI
Frequently asked questions
How long is the programme?
16 weeks, divided into four phases: foundation (weeks 1–4), build (5–10), scale (11–14) and launch (15–16). Each phase has precise goals to take the startup from idea to market.
What are the requirements to apply?
Teams of 1–5 people with an AI or tech-enabled product or service, one full-time founder, a prototype even at an early stage and willingness to incorporate (or already have) an Italian entity.
How much does it cost to participate?
There is no fixed model. We assess each project on stage, team, market and needs. Terms (equity, fee, revenue share or a combination) are discussed during selection.
Do I have to move to Brindisi or Bergamo?
No, the programme is hybrid: mentorship sessions are mostly remote, with some optional in-person events (kick-off and Demo Day). PugliAI’s offices are available to those who want to work on site.
How many startups per cohort?
8–10 startups, to guarantee personalised attention to every team with weekly 1:1 mentorship and dedicated support.
What happens after the programme?
After Demo Day the startups join the alumni network, with permanent access to the AI founders community in Italy and ongoing support for fundraising and international expansion.
Ready to launch your AI-driven startup?
Apply to the next cohort: over €100,000 in value, dedicated mentorship and the bridge to Singapore.