Top AI incubators and accelerators in the US

1. Y Combinator

Y Combinator (YC) is a renowned accelerator founded by Paul Graham, supporting early-stage startups with funding and mentorship. It runs two main programs annually: Winter and Summer batches. YC provides intensive guidance, investor connections, and a demo day. It is known for its vast alumni network and high success rate.

2. Techstars AI Accelerator

The 100+ Accelerator, backed by AB InBev, Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever, and Coca-Cola, supports startups addressing sustainability challenges. It runs programs focused on circular economy, water stewardship, and climate tech. The accelerator provides funding, mentorship, and corporate partnerships. It aims to scale solutions for global supply chains.

3. Alchemist Accelerator

Alchemist Accelerator is a venture-backed program focused on enterprise startups, founded by Ravi Belani. It supports early-stage B2B ventures with mentorship, funding, and investor connections. The program runs multiple cohorts annually, emphasizing enterprise SaaS, AI, and deep tech. It culminates in a demo day for pitching to investors.

4. Betaworks

Betaworks is a startup studio and accelerator that builds and invests in early-stage companies, founded by John Borthwick. It runs programs like Betaworks Studio and specialized camps (e.g., Voicecamp, Visioncamp) for specific technologies. The program offers funding, mentorship, and access to a creative tech community. It focuses on experimental, consumer-facing tech ventures.

5. AI2 Incubator

AI2 Incubator, run by the Allen Institute for AI, supports AI-driven startups with funding and technical resources. It helps founders build AI-first companies through mentorship and access to AI expertise. The program is tailored for early-stage ventures with a focus on AI applications. It emphasizes technical development and scalability

6. Sequoia Arc

Sequoia Arc is a company-building program by Sequoia Capital, designed for pre-seed and seed-stage founders. It offers intensive mentorship, resources, and funding to build enduring businesses. The program includes hands-on support from Sequoia partners and a curated community of founders. It runs cohorts in the US and Europe, focusing on scalable ventures.

7. Neo

Neo is an accelerator program founded by Ali Partovi, focusing on early-stage tech startups with exceptional founders. It offers mentorship-driven support, funding, and access to a network of industry leaders. The program emphasizes AI, health tech, and consumer tech innovations. Neo runs a selective cohort-based model with personalized guidance

8. Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)

Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is an objectives-based accelerator for science and tech startups, founded at the University of Toronto. It offers specialized streams like AI, Blockchain, Health, and Quantum. CDL connects startups with mentors, investors, and scientists for scaling. No equity is taken, focusing on milestone-driven growth.

9. Endless Frontier Labs

Endless Frontier Labs (EFL), run by NYU Stern School of Business, supports deep tech startups with mentorship and funding. It targets science-driven ventures in biotech, AI, and advanced materials. EFL offers a structured program with access to NYU’s academic resources and investor networks. It focuses on startups with high-impact potential.

10. Fuel Accelerator

Fuel Accelerator, organized by the Startup Junkie Foundation, is a market access accelerator focusing on enterprise-readiness and strategic partnerships. It runs specialized programs, including HealthTech and AI/ML cohorts, to help startups scale. The program offers hands-on education, workshops, and connections to enterprise partners. It is based in Bentonville, Arkansas, with a focus on health and technology sectors.