Applications are open for the AI Venture Lab Founder Sprint 2027 (INSEAD AI Venture Lab) - a free, fully virtual 10-week programme for early-stage founders to build, test, and scale their ventures with AI.
Runs 27 January - 2 April 2027. No equity taken. Applications close 1 December 2026, 11:59pm GMT+8.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official AI Venture Lab Sprint 2027 pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - AI Venture Lab Founder Sprint 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organiser | INSEAD AI Venture Lab |
| Programme | AI Founder Sprint 2027 (flagship) |
| Format | Fully virtual · sessions in English |
| Duration | 10 weeks (27 Jan - 2 Apr 2027) |
| Cost | Free · no equity |
| Time commitment | ~2 - 5 hrs/week (not full-time) |
| Deadline | 1 December 2026, 11:59pm GMT+8 |
| Selection notice | Early January 2027 |
| Apply | venture-lab.ai/apply/founder |
What Selected Founders Receive
- Research-backed frameworks for using AI to build, test, and scale
- Expert-led study groups applying AI tools to your venture
- Masterclasses and feedback from investors, entrepreneurs, and AI experts
- Mentorship from global experts in AI and entrepreneurship
- Curated peer group + Community Lead with weekly check-ins
- Partner perks/credits (e.g. cloud, tooling, and startup services from programme partners)
- Demo Days with partners and investors (venues TBA)
How the Sprint Works
- Weeks 1 - 2 - Onboarding: meet your peer group, learn core frameworks (~4 - 5 hrs/week)
- Weeks 3 - 7 - Build: study groups, masterclasses, mentor sessions (~2 - 3 hrs/week)
- Week 8 - VC Week: fundraising landscape + investor feedback for selected startups
- Weeks 9 - 10 - Test & refine: mentor feedback and Demo Day prep
- After the Sprint: Demo Days (venues to be announced)
Live sessions are scheduled with global time zones in mind; recordings are available when needed.
Eligibility
- Early-stage founders worldwide - ideation through execution (MVP preferred; ideas welcome)
- No INSEAD or academic affiliation required
- You do not need to be an AI-native startup or building an AI product
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Clarity of vision, motivation, and commitment to engage fully
- Globally diverse cohort across geographies, sectors, and backgrounds
Key Dates
- 1 December 2026, 11:59pm GMT+8 - applications close
- Early January 2027 - selected founders notified
- 27 January 2027 - Sprint begins
- 2 April 2027 - Sprint ends
- After the Sprint - Demo Days
How to Apply
- Review the programme on venture-lab.ai/sprint2027.
- Apply as a founder at venture-lab.ai/apply/founder before the deadline.
- Not a founder? Separate tracks exist for Mentor and Community Lead on the same site.
Contact: aiventurelab@insead.edu
Official Links
AI Founder Sprint 2027 (official)
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FAQs - AI Venture Lab Founder Sprint 2027
When is the deadline?
1 December 2026, 11:59pm GMT+8.
Is it free?
Yes - free to participate, and the organisers take no equity.
Is it in person?
The Sprint is fully virtual; Demo Day venues will be announced later.
Who can apply?
Early-stage founders aged 18+ anywhere in the world - AI product not required; no INSEAD affiliation needed.
