Top 20 Accelerators for AI Startups in North America in 2025
North America continues to be a hotbed for innovation, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. As we look ahead to 2025, a number of accelerators stand out for their focus on nurturing AI startups. Below is a curated list of the Top 20 Accelerators for AI Startups in North America for 2025, along with detailed information about each program.
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1. Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator
Program Focus: AI/ML-focused startups in the US and Canada
Location: Hybrid (remote and in-person)
Investment/Support: Mentorship, technical support, access to Google AI tools, Google Cloud credits, workshops, networking opportunities, and a Demo Day.
Duration: 10 weeks
Application Deadline: February 4, 2025
2. NVIDIA Inception
Program Focus: AI, data science, and high-performance computing
Location: Global
Investment/Support: Access to GPU tech, deep learning tools, hardware/software discounts, technical resources, and networking opportunities with VCs.
Duration: Ongoing program with various benefits
3. AI2 Incubator
Program Focus: AI-first startups
Location: Seattle, USA
Investment/Support: Funding, technical expertise and support, access to AI research. Notable data includes over $250M raised by startups and a collective valuation of $1.2B+.
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4. AI Nexus Lab
Program Focus: Early-stage AI startups
Location: New York City, USA
Investment/Support: Mentorship, resources, and funding; typically requires equity.
Geographic Focus: Global
5. Y Combinator
Program Focus: General startup accelerator with a strong track record in AI
Location: Silicon Valley, USA
Investment/Support: $500,000 for 7% equity. Notable AI alumni include OpenAI and Cruise.
6. Forum Ventures
Program Focus: B2B SaaS startups across essential areas like Fintech, Healthcare, Agentic AI, Supply Chain, and the Future of Work.
Location: North America
Investment/Support: Accelerator program includes a $100K investment, AI Venture Studio for $250K co-building model, and a Pre-Seed Fund of up to $1M.
Notable Data: Supported over 400 companies.
7. IBM for Startups
Program Focus: Access to IBM's technologies, resources, and enterprise network.
Location: Online
Investment/Support: Cloud credits, AI tools (WatsonX), technical support, mentorship, and pitching opportunities.
8. NEXT AI
Program Focus: AI-enabled ventures
Location: Toronto, Canada
Investment/Support: Mentorship and support for scaling tech innovations.
Application Deadline: Varies (NEXT AI application was open until Dec 10, 2024)
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9. AWS Generative AI Accelerator
Program Focus: Generative AI startups
Location: North America
Investment/Support: Mentorship and resources leveraging AWS services.
Notable Data: Include various notable AI startups that participated.
10. Google.org Accelerator for Generative AI
Program Focus: Organizations using Generative AI for social impact
Location: Global
Investment/Support: Funding from $500k to $2M, structured support, pro bono assistance, training, and Google Cloud credits.
Application Deadline: February 10, 2025
11. Creative Destruction Lab
Program Focus: Mentorship on product development and venture financing geared toward AI
Location: Multiple locations in Canada and the US
Investment/Support: Access to a network of angel investors and venture capital firms.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
12. Techstars AI
Program Focus: Companies building products leveraging artificial intelligence
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Investment/Support: $120K funding (equity) and mentorship.
Duration: 13 weeks
13. The AI Innovation Hub
Program Focus: AI startups focusing on healthcare and green technology
Location: Boston, USA
Investment/Support: Access to experts and funding opportunities.
Duration: 6 to 12 months
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14. Data Point Capital
Program Focus: Data and analytics-related startups, especially in AI
Location: New York City, USA
Investment/Support: Initial seed funding and mentorship.
15. Launchpad for AI
Program Focus: Early-stage AI tech companies
Location: San Francisco, California
Investment/Support: Investment up to $500K and extensive mentoring.
Duration: 4 months
16. Sierra Ventures
Program Focus: AI-driven startups
Location: San Mateo, California
Investment/Support: Funding and mentorship; specific investment amounts vary.
17. Founders Factory
Program Focus: Technology-driven startups with a focus on AI
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Investment/Support: Funding and operational support.
18. AI & Machine Learning Accelerator
Program Focus: Enterprises leveraging AI technologies
Location: Miami, Florida
Investment/Support: Seed funding and networking opportunities.
Duration: 3 to 6 months
19. The Venture Reality Fund
Program Focus: Focus on AI and VR/AR startups
Location: San Francisco, California
Investment/Support: Invests in seed stage rounds.
20. Startupbootcamp
Program Focus: Early-stage startups in various sectors, prominently AI
Location: North America (multiple locations)
Investment/Support: Cohort-based support, investment opportunities, and mentoring.
Duration: 3 months Visit Startupbootcamp
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FAQ
Q: What is the focus of the Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator?
A: The program focuses on AI and machine learning startups in the US and Canada. Learn more about Google for Startups.
Q: Where is the AI2 Incubator located?
A: The AI2 Incubator is located in Seattle, USA, and focuses on AI-first startups. Discover more about AI2 Incubator.
Q: What kind of support does NVIDIA Inception offer to startups?
A: NVIDIA Inception offers access to GPU technology, deep learning tools, hardware/software discounts, and networking opportunities. Learn more about NVIDIA Inception.
Q: What are the investment opportunities offered by Forum Ventures?
A: Forum Ventures provides a $100K investment through an accelerator program, $250K in an AI Venture Studio co-building model, and up to $1M in their Pre-Seed Fund. Explore Forum Ventures.
Q: Does Y Combinator have a history of supporting AI startups?
A: Yes, Y Combinator has a strong track record in supporting AI startups, having notable alumni like OpenAI and Cruise. Learn more about Y Combinator.
Q: What kind of funding does the Google.org Accelerator for Generative AI provide?
A: The program offers funding ranging from $500k to $2M, along with structured support and training. More details can be found here.
Q: What is the application deadline for the NEXT AI program?
A: The application deadline for NEXT AI varies; for a recent batch, applications were accepted until December 10, 2024. More about NEXT AI can be found here.
Q: What geographic areas does AI Nexus Lab cater to?
A: The AI Nexus Lab supports early-stage AI startups globally and is located in New York City, USA. Find out more about AI Nexus Lab.
Q: What kind of technological resources does IBM for Startups provide?
A: IBM for Startups offers access to their cloud credits, AI tools like WatsonX, and technical support for startups. Learn more about IBM for Startups.
Q: How long is the duration of the Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator?
A: The duration of the Google for Startups Cloud AI Accelerator is 10 weeks. Get more information here.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
