AI ACCELERATE 2026
Build traction. Drive revenue. Unlock funding.
Application closes on 31 July.
Building in AI is tough.
Scaling is tougher
That’s why we built the AI Accelerate programme.
This 10-week programme by BLOCK71 Singapore and Microsoft, supported by Enterprise Singapore, through the Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) joint office, offers you:
– Refine your product with mentors who’ve done it before
– Get real investors’ feedback
– Plug into partners who can open doors
We’re here to help founders go from technical breakthroughs to getting real traction to achieving funding-ready growth.
Why choose
AI Accelerate?
Tailored Support
Every startup has its own journey. We’ll work on what matters most to you — whether that’s product–market fit, localising for Asia, or speeding up your go-to-market.
Expert Mentorship
Work side-by-side with Microsoft specialists and BLOCK71 mentors who’ve scaled products and raised capital across the world.
Global Network
Tap into a connected community of founders, corporates, and investors across the BLOCK71 and Microsoft ecosystems.
Access to Funding
Qualified startups can access up to S$400k to undertake Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects or up to S$800k for Proof-of-Value (PoV) projects, through the Startup SG Tech grant scheme. This will be further amplified through the BLOCK71 and Microsoft ecosystems.
Are you one of us?
To qualify for AI Accelerate 2026, your startup should check these boxes:
Post MVP, with traction to show
You’ve moved beyond the idea stage and already have users, pilots, or revenue.
B2B or scalable B2C
You’re building for markets that matter, not just a niche.
AI at the core
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a feature – your product runs on real AI use cases, built or in development.
Rooted in Asia, with global ambition
You already have a presence in Asia or are ready to incorporate in Singapore and use it as a launchpad.
Privately Held
We back startups, not consultancies, dev shops, or agencies.
Not in restricted sectors
This programme is not for educational institutions, government entities, personal blogs, crypto mining outfits, or similar organisations.
If this sounds like you, then you’re exactly the kind of founder we built AI Accelerate for.
Your Journey to Success
01 June 2026
Applications Open
Startups can apply for the Fall 2026 cohort.
June - July 2026
Join us for the various events and roadshows.
Check out our Luma Page
31 July 2026
Last Day of Applications
Application window closes at 11:59pm SGT.
August 2026
Shortlisting & Selection
Startups are assessed on traction, product, and market readiness.
September 2026
Programme Begins
10-week sprint kicks off — packed with mentorship, workshops, and 1:1 clinics. Founders get co-working access and ecosystem perks and support at BLOCK71 Southeast Asian nodes during the programme.
November 2026
Investor Day
Graduating startups pitch to a curated audience of venture capitalists and corporate partners.
Alumni Spotlight
Meet the startups from past AI Accelerate cohorts.
They didn’t just imagine the future of AI — they built it, and took it to market. AI Accelerate alumni have gone on to secure funding, land enterprise pilots, and scale across Asia.
Hear from our founders
“What stood out about AI Accelerate is that it works as a multiplier – it accelerates what is already moving. The enterprise GTM and scaling masterclasses, the Enterprise Singapore pathways, and above all the cohort itself gave us momentum and relationships we are still building on, including fellow founders who became GeoVector users.”
Razvan Iordache
Co-Founder &
CEO of GeoVector
“The NUS-Microsoft AI Accelerate programme was an invaluable catalyst for our growth. We gained targeted go-to-market mentorship and direct access to Microsoft’s regional leadership, which helped us refine our APAC expansion strategy and accelerate our ability to bring scientist-first lab solutions to more biotech teams across the region.”
Kenny Kang Li
Founder & CEO of iLabService
“The Block71 x Microsoft AI Accelerator gave us a genuine fast track into the Microsoft ecosystem, from onboarding to partnership structuring. The expert sessions were valuable, but honestly the biggest surprise was the cohort itself. Being in the room with founders at the same stage, facing the same growing pains, led to real conversations and partnerships we’re already acting on. As we push into new markets over the coming months, we’re doing it with a stronger network and a clearer playbook.”
Lenard Tan
Founder and CEO of Ailytics
FAQs
Do you cover flights, accommodation, or office space?
No flights or accommodation. But yes — you’ll have complimentary access to BLOCK71’s co-working space during the programme.
Is the program open to startups outside of Singapore?
Absolutely. We welcome founders from anywhere who are serious about expanding into Asia. While the programme can be joined remotely, showing up in Singapore at key moments can give you stronger outcomes.
When will I receive the outcome of my application?
We’ll inform all applicants by mid-December 2025.
If I am shortlisted for the program, do I automatically qualify for the funding?
Not straight away. Shortlisting brings you one step closer where your startup will still need to undergo a final evaluation panel to qualify for access to the funding. Selected startups may qualify for up to S$1.2 million in grant funding – S$400K PoC, with the opportunity to unlock a further S$800K PoV.
Are there any participation fees involved?
There are no upfront costs required to participate in the programme. However:
- NUS Enterprise retains the option to take up to $50k worth of equity from startups that are awarded the grant upon the next equity financing round.
- EnterpriseSG retains right to convert up to 50% of grant awarded to shares.
*Share subscription rights may be exercised during qualifying equity financing rounds.
What impact will this program bring to participants?
- Go-to-Market Acceleration
- Work with corporates and industry leaders
- Gain exposure through media and speaking opportunities
- Refine your product and business model
- Advanced AI Product Development
- Hands-on workshops to strengthen your product
- Access to Microsoft’s on-demand learning courses
- 1:1 support from Microsoft AI specialists
- Funding & Grants
- Investor networking and curated introductions
- Direct access to top-tier venture capital firms
- Partner perks to keep you moving fast
- Strategic Partnerships
- Peer roundtables and founder-led discussions
- Curated business match making with trusted partners
Our AI Accelerate Events
A Powerhouse Collaboration for Startups
Built by:
BLOCK71 isn’t just another startup space. This is a launchpad for founders who dare to do things differently. Powered by NUS Enterprise and backed by industry and government partners, BLOCK71 connects you to the mentors, markets, and muscle to scale. Since 2011, more than 1,600 startups have taken off with us across Singapore, the US, China, Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam – and we’re just getting started. Welcome to the Home of the Brave
Microsoft enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
Supported by:
Enterprise Singapore is the government agency championing enterprise development. The agency partners committed companies to build capabilities, innovate, and go global. It drives growth – empowering local businesses and shaping industries, anchoring Singapore as a trade and startup hub, and establishing trust in products through quality and standards. Enterprise Singapore is here for wherever businesses are growing. Visit enterprisesg.gov.sg for more information.
VC Partners
Community Partners
Build traction. Drive revenue. Unlock funding.
For all enquires regarding the programme, please email to singapore@block71.co.
Subscribe to BLOCK71 Singapore on Luma for the latest programme updates!