INSEAD AI Founder Sprint 2027
A free 10 week online INSEAD sprint for early stage founders who build with AI. No equity, cash prizes at Demo Day. Apply by 1 December 2026.
The AI Founder Sprint 2027 is the main program of the INSEAD AI Venture Lab. It is a 10 week virtual sprint that teaches early stage founders how to use AI to build, test and grow their startups.
The sprint is free. There are no fees and the Lab takes no equity. Founders get frameworks based on the Lab's research, mentoring from experts in AI and entrepreneurship, small study groups and masterclasses with investors and founders. It ends with a Demo Day in front of partners and investors. The cash prizes for 2027 will be announced later. In the last sprint, the two finalists won US$60,000 and US$40,000.
Any early stage founder in the world can apply, from the idea stage up to pre Series A. You must be at least 18. You do not need to build an AI product, and you do not need a link to INSEAD or any other university.
Applications close on 1 December 2026 at 11:59 pm GMT+8. Selected founders hear back in early January 2027. The sprint runs from 27 January to 2 April 2027, online and in English. Demo Day venues will be in person and are still to be confirmed.
The Lab says it looks at how clearly founders explain their goals and the problem they solve, and whether they are ready to take part actively. It also wants a cohort that is diverse in countries and sectors.
Quick answers
How much time does it take?
About 4 to 5 hours a week in the first two weeks, then 2 to 3 hours a week for the next eight weeks. It is not full time.
Can a team apply?
The program is designed for founders only.
Can I apply again if I took part before?
Yes. Past participants are welcome to apply for the 2027 sprint.