Accelerator

Accelerator

North America

North America

OPEN

OPEN

GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS

CDL Accelerator Program

CDL Accelerator Program

Equity-based; no cash grant — CDL takes equity in exchange for the program.

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Applications are open now for the 2026/27 cohort — annual cycle.

AMOUNT

Equity-based; no cash grant — CDL takes equity in exchange for the program.

AMOUNT

Equity-based; no cash grant — CDL takes equity in exchange for the program.

DEADLINE

Applications are open now for the 2026/27 cohort — annual cycle.

DEADLINE

Applications are open now for the 2026/27 cohort — annual cycle.

FUNDING TYPE

Accelerator

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You need to be a seed-stage, science- or technology-based startup with ambitions to scale massively.

You need to be a seed-stage, science- or technology-based startup with ambitions to scale massively.

CDL focuses on companies that are science- or technology-driven and capable of significant scale. They accept startups across all industries through 23 specialized streams, from AI to Quantum to AgriFood.

CDL focuses on companies that are science- or technology-driven and capable of significant scale. They accept startups across all industries through 23 specialized streams, from AI to Quantum to AgriFood.

YOUR REAL ODDS

CDL operates across 17 global locations and 23 streams, meaning many cohorts run annually, but each is competitive.

Acceptance is selective — CDL is a well-known program with global reach. Applying to the stream and location that best fits your company improves your chances of being evaluated by relevant mentors.

WHAT IT TAKES

  1. Choose the right stream and location for your startup — 1–2 hours research

  2. Complete and submit the online application at creativedestructionlab.com — Several hours to a few days

  3. Review and interview process (if shortlisted) — Weeks after submission

WORTH KNOWING

CDL is objectives-based, meaning accepted startups work toward concrete goals set each session with mentors — understanding this structure before applying helps you frame your application around measurable milestones.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.

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