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Are You Building the Future?
- Team: Ambitious teams of 2+ founders with deep technical and/or domain expertise.
- Stage: Pre-seed / Seed stage with, at a minimum, a demonstrated prototype or MVP.
- Focus: Leveraging exponential technologies like DLT, AI, and Deep-Tech to build an equitable and open future.
- Vision: A clear, global vision for solving a massive problem
- IP: Preference for teams owning or developing proprietary Intellectual Property that strengthens defensibility and long-term value.
Your Path to Exponential Growth
Intensive Workshops
Covering business model design, product development, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising preparation.
Dedicated Mentorship
Emphasise the hands-on guidance from experts in blockchain, AI, and governance.
Cohort-Based Learning
Highlight the value of progressing alongside a curated group of peers.
The startups will receive an $100k equity investment by joining the program, potential follow on investment at the end of the program. You'll receive by email the key investment terms after completing your application.
Program Timeline & Key Dates
Applications are now open
1. Early Application Deadline
14th December 2025
2.Final Application Deadline
7th January 2026
3.Selection & Onboarding
January / February 2026
4.Workshops & Mentorship
March - June 2026
5. Demo Day & Showcase
May 2026
What We Provide
Multidisciplinary Mentorship
Expert guidance across blockchain. Al. governance, and emerging technologies.
Ecosystem Access
Connect with ESF's Ecosystem Partners, academic institutions, and initiatives like MICA Alliance and DLT Earth.
Accelerated Development Path
Structured mentorship, cohort progression, and strategy guidance.
Our Offer: A Founder-Friendly Deal
The startups will receive an $100k equity investment by joining the program, potential follow on investment at the end of the program. You'll receive by email the key investment terms after completing your application.
Backed by a World-Class Team & Network
faq
1. Who is this program for?
Ambitious teams of 2+ founders with strong technical or research backgrounds, developing AI, DLT, or other deep-tech solutions from pre-seed to Series A stage. MVP is the minimum requirement for entry.
2. What makes the ES Accelerator unique?
A world-class program built by Exponential Science and H-FARM Startup Center, combining deep-tech focus, a $100K equity investment, and access to H-FARM’s innovation campus and the Global Accelerator Network (GAN). Connect with ESF’s Ecosystem Partners, academic institutions, and initiatives such as MiCA Crypto Alliance, Nodiens, and many more.
3. What is the investment structure?
Selected startups receive a $100K equity inflow upon joining, with potential follow-on investment after Demo Day. The initial investment will be covered in a SAFE agreement. Detailed terms are shared once a team applies to the programme.
4. Are there any fees or hidden costs?
There are no fees or costs associated with participation in the program. It follows a pure equity model, ensuring founders retain their resources to focus on product growth and market traction.
5. What is the program timeline?
The accelerator runs from March to June 2026, combining online sessions, mentorship, and key in-person events on the H-FARM Campus.
Key milestones include:
• Early Application Deadline: 14 December 2025
• Final Application Deadline: 7 January 2026
• Selection & Onboarding: January – February 2026
• Program Delivery: March – June 2026
• Demo Day: on H-FARM Campus
Key milestones include:
• Early Application Deadline: 14 December 2025
• Final Application Deadline: 7 January 2026
• Selection & Onboarding: January – February 2026
• Program Delivery: March – June 2026
• Demo Day: on H-FARM Campus
6. How do I apply, and what are the deadlines?
Submit your application via the official form: Apply Now.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but those submitted before 14 December 2025 gain priority visibility during evaluation.
Early Deadline: 14 December 2025
Final Deadline: 7 January 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but those submitted before 14 December 2025 gain priority visibility during evaluation.
Early Deadline: 14 December 2025
Final Deadline: 7 January 2026
7. What happens on Demo Day?
The accelerator concludes with an in-person Demo Day at H-FARM Campus (Italy), where startups pitch to investors, corporates, and the campus ecosystem. It’s a key moment for funding, visibility, and strategic partnerships.
8. Where is the accelerator held? Do I need to relocate to Venice?
The program is hybrid, primarily online, with key on-campus events including the Kick-off Week and Demo Day at H-FARM Campus near Venice. Relocation is not required, but attending the key events in person is highly encouraged to benefit fully from the ecosystem experience.
9. How is Intellectual Property (IP) managed?
All IP remains fully owned by founders or their institutions. The program supports startups in IP protection, strategy, and commercialisation planning.
10. How are startups selected?
Startups are selected based on their technological depth, stage of development, and alignment with the program’s focus on AI, DLT, and other exponential technologies. The selection committee looks for founders with a clear vision, validated prototypes, and strong potential to scale globally. Preference is given to teams owning or developing proprietary intellectual property that strengthens defensibility and long-term value.
11. How big is the cohort, and how many startups are selected?
Each edition of the Exponential Science Accelerator brings together a select cohort of 8-10 early-stage startups. The small group size ensures dedicated mentorship, personalised feedback, and close interaction with mentors, investors, and partners.
12. Who are the mentors and experts involved?
The program features a balanced mix of technical and business mentors. On the technical side, experts specialise in Blockchain, Tokenomics, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing. On the business side, participants work with professionals experienced in Funding Strategy, Pitching, Financial Planning, and Go-To-Market Strategy, ensuring founders receive complete support from technology development to market readiness.
13. What level of time commitment is required from founders?
The program begins with a Kick-off Event (2–3 days) and concludes with a Demo Day (2–3 days), both held on the H-FARM Campus. Each week, founders participate in Expert Sessions (1–2 hours) and may also attend optional One-to-One Sessions (1–2 hours) with mentors and advisors. Beyond these scheduled activities, the more time founders dedicate to developing their project, the greater the progress and value they will gain from the program.