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Accelerator

MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a zero-equity, global startup accelerator with programs in Boston, Switzerland, Mexico, and other locations. Founded in 2009, MassChallenge has supported 2,400+ alumni companies without taking any equity. The program offers up to CHF 1 million in non-dilutive cash and in-kind prizes, access to 400+ mentors, and 15+ international corporate partners. It is the largest equity-free accelerator in the world.

Applications Open Deadline: March 4, 2027 (Switzerland 2027) Last verified: September 10, 2026
Investment
Equity-free (up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive prizes)
Equity
0% (equity-free)
Stage
Idea, Pre-seed, Seed
Location
Boston, MA / Switzerland / Mexico / Multiple locations
Program Duration
4 months
Cohort Size
80-100 companies per cohort
Remote or Onsite
Hybrid (varies by program)
Application Fee
Free

Ready to apply to MassChallenge?

Visit the official application page to get started.

Apply Now
Overview

About the Program

MassChallenge is a zero-equity, global startup accelerator with programs in Boston, Switzerland, Mexico, and other locations. Founded in 2009, MassChallenge has supported 2,400+ alumni companies without taking any equity. The program offers up to CHF 1 million in non-dilutive cash and in-kind prizes, access to 400+ mentors, and 15+ international corporate partners. It is the largest equity-free accelerator in the world.

Funding

Funding Structure

Zero equity. Up to CHF 1,000,000 in non-dilutive cash and in-kind prizes awarded competitively.

Initial Investment
Equity-free (up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive prizes)
Equity
0% (equity-free)
Additional Funding
Up to CHF 1,000,000 in non-dilutive cash and in-kind prizes
Follow-on Funding
No direct follow-on, but strong investor network access
Eligibility

Who Can Apply?

  • Startups at any stage from idea to revenue
  • Founders from any country (global program)
  • No equity requirement
  • No application fee
  • Industry-agnostic across all sectors
Selection

What They Look For

  • Strong founding team
  • Large market opportunity
  • Potential for high impact
  • Coachable founders
  • Fit with the specific program location
Requirements

What You Need to Apply

  • Completed online application
  • Pitch deck
  • Founder video
  • Information about team, product, and market
Process

How to Apply

  1. 1Go to masschallenge.org/apply
  2. 2Fill out the application form
  3. 3Upload your pitch deck and video
  4. 4Submit before the deadline
  5. 5If selected, attend interviews with judges
Timeline

Application Process

  1. 11. Submit online application with deck and video
  2. 22. MassChallenge judges review applications
  3. 33. Selected teams invited to interview
  4. 44. Final selection by judges and mentors
  5. 55. If accepted, join the 4-month program
  6. 66. Compete for up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive prizes
Dates

Important Dates

Switzerland 2027 deadline: March 4, 2027. Other programs have varying deadlines.

Benefits

Program Benefits

Zero equity taken
Up to CHF 1,000,000 in non-dilutive cash and in-kind prizes
4-month program with 400+ industry expert mentors
Access to 15+ international corporate partners
Two intensive bootcamps in Switzerland
Tailored curriculum with workshops and talks
Global alumni network across 100+ countries
Selection

Selection Process

Online application, followed by interviews with MassChallenge judges and mentors.

Industries

Industries and Focus Areas

Industry-agnosticAISaaSFintechHealthClimateConsumerEnterprise
Geography

Geographies and Countries

USAUKSingaporeGermanyBrazilGlobal
Pitch

How to Approach This Investor

Recommended pitch type: Online application with pitch deck and video

SubjectN/A - Apply through the MassChallenge online application
OpeningMassChallenge accepts direct applications through their website.
ProblemDescribe the problem you are solving and who has it.
TractionShare any progress, users, or revenue.
MarketExplain the market size and your impact potential.
Why This InvestorExplain why MassChallenge fits your stage and goals.
AskEquity-free program. You compete for up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive prizes.
Call to ActionApply at masschallenge.org/apply.
Fit

Is This Program Right for You?

Best For
Founders who want an equity-free program with access to corporate partners and global mentorship.
Strong Fit If
You want to keep 100% of your company and value mentorship over direct cash investment
Less Suitable If
You need guaranteed upfront cash investment rather than competitive prizes
Portfolio

Notable Portfolio Companies

TuroOktaLoveveryGinkgo BioworksRapidSOS
Network

Mentors and Investor Access

Mentors
400+ industry expert mentors and corporate partners
Investor Access
Demo Day plus corporate partner introductions
History

Previous Cohorts

Running since 2009 with 2,400+ alumni companies

Contact

How to Contact

Apply online at masschallenge.org/apply.

Sources

Official Sources

https://www.masschallenge.org/apply https://www.masschallenge.org/about
Verified against official MassChallenge website Last verified: September 10, 2026