Deadline: applications for the Apollo AI Accelerator Cohort 2 close on November 2, 2026 — applications opened on October 9 at apollo.0g.ai and are reviewed on a rolling basis. 0G, the trust layer for AI, and xBuilders — the team of Stanford veterans behind the Stanford Blockchain Accelerator — have opened applications for the second cohort of the 0G Apollo Accelerator.
The xBuilders team teaches the MS&E447 AI Sovereignty & Entrepreneurship course at Stanford's School of Engineering, runs the Stanford Openlab Open Source AI Seminar, and has run the Stanford Blockchain Accelerator for the last five years, helping 85+ projects collectively raise over $1B from leading funds, with multiple unicorn successes. The team also has experience running AI accelerators for Cornell/IC3 and operating the Google for Startups accelerator programme across dozens of cohorts.
Eligibility
The accelerator is open to AI startups and builder teams working on verifiable, auditable AI — from inference to agent actions. Shortlisted founders submit a five-minute video and take one interview call during the review. Investment amounts are subject to due diligence, project evaluation and programme terms, so teams should be prepared for a thorough evaluation.
How to apply for the Apollo AI Accelerator
Apply at apollo.0g.ai before November 2, 2026; questions go to [email protected]. Up to 10 teams will be announced in November, with the programme running November 2026 to February 2027, ending with a Demo Day and an in-person graduation at Stanford. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, applying early improves your odds.
Why it matters for founders
Accelerators attached to proven operators matter more than brand names — the xBuilders team's $1B+ alumni track record is the credential here. For Indian AI founders, a Stanford-anchored programme with a Demo Day is a direct route to US investors. Rolling review means the best slot is the earliest one: don't wait for November 2.