PugliAI Accelerator
One Founder, Many AI — Transform a solo founder into an AI-powered team.
16 weeks to build an AI-driven startup with over 100,000 euros in services, dedicated mentorship, and the bridge to Singapore through our ISSA partnership.
The 4-Phase Journey
A structured program to take your startup from idea to market
Foundation
Weeks 1-4
Business model validation, AI strategy, team assessment
Build
Weeks 5-10
AI product development, automation implementation, MVP refinement
Scale
Weeks 11-14
Go-to-market, sales automation, investor preparation
Launch
Weeks 15-16
Demo Day, investor pitches, bridge to Singapore
One Founder, Many AI
In 2025, a founder with the right AI tools can compete with teams of 10 people. Our program transforms you into an AI-native startup from day one.
- HR AI — Automated recruiting and onboarding
- Sales AI — 24/7 lead generation and outreach
- Marketing AI — Content and social on autopilot
- Support AI — Customer service that scales
1 = 10
Multiplied Founder
With AI, one founder does the work of 10 people
Focus on the product, not on operations. AI handles the rest.
What You Get
A complete package to accelerate your startup's growth
AI Services Included
Ready-to-use HR, Sales and Marketing automations. Access to VoiceAI and KnowledgeAI trials. Technical implementation included.
Grant & Funding Support
Guidance for Italian (Smart&Start, Invitalia) and European grants. ISSA matching grants for Singapore expansion.
Mentorship Network
Weekly 1:1 sessions with Lead Mentor. Bi-weekly workshops with experts. Monthly Advisory Board access.
Singapore Bridge
Access to 500+ Asian investors. Singapore incorporation support. "Soft Landing Week" for top performers.
Demo Day & Investors
Final event with Italian VCs, angel investors and ISSA network. Intensive pitch preparation. 1:1 investor matching.
Alumni Network
Permanent access to the AI Founders Italia community. Mentorship opportunities for future cohorts.
AI Services Included in the Program
Ready-to-use automations to accelerate your startup's growth
HR Automation
Value: 15,000 euros- Automated candidate screening
- Onboarding automation
- Performance analytics dashboard
Sales Automation
Value: 20,000 euros- AI lead scoring and qualification
- Personalized automated outreach
- CRM AI integration + forecasting
Marketing Automation
Value: 15,000 euros- Assisted content generation
- Social media automation
- AI email marketing + analytics
On-Premise AI Trial
Value: 10,000 euros- VoiceAI trial deployment
- KnowledgeAI pilot setup
- GDPR-native, zero external data
Singapore Bridge via ISSA
Through our partnership with ISSA (Italian-Singapore Strategic Alliance), we offer selected startups a privileged path to the Asian market.
-
500+ Asian Investors
Direct access to ISSA's network of VCs and angel investors -
Singapore Incorporation
Legal and tax support for Singapore Pte. Ltd. -
Singapore Office Space
Access to partner co-working and incubators -
Soft Landing Week
1 week in Singapore for the top 3 startups of each cohort
Flexible Partnership Model
We don't have a fixed model. We evaluate each project individually to create a partnership that works for both parties.
What We Evaluate
- Current stage (idea, MVP, revenue)
- Team composition and experience
- Market opportunity size
- Level of support needed
- Interest in Singapore expansion
- Strategic alignment with PugliAI
Terms (equity, fee, revenue share, or mix) are discussed during the selection process.
Apply to Discuss TermsFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the program?
The program lasts 16 weeks (4 months), divided into 4 phases: Foundation (weeks 1-4), Build (5-10), Scale (11-14), and Launch (15-16). Each phase has specific goals to take your startup from concept to market.
What are the eligibility requirements?
We look for teams of 1-5 people with an AI/tech-enabled product or service. You must be willing to register (or already have) an Italian entity, have at least one full-time founder, and have a prototype or MVP (even early stage).
How much does it cost to participate?
We don't have a fixed model. We evaluate each project individually based on stage, team, market and needs. Terms (equity, fee, revenue share, or combination) are discussed during the selection process.
Do I need to relocate to Brindisi or Bergamo?
No, the program is hybrid. Mentorship sessions are primarily virtual, with some optional in-person events (kickoff, Demo Day). We offer access to PugliAI offices for those who want to work on-site.
What is the Singapore Bridge?
Through our partnership with ISSA (Italian-Singapore Strategic Alliance), we offer selected startups access to 500+ Asian investors, Singapore incorporation support, office space, and a "Soft Landing" week for the top 3 startups of each cohort.
When does the next cohort start?
The first cohort starts in January 2026. Applications open in November 2025. Subsequently we will have 2 cohorts per year (spring and fall).
How many startups do you select per cohort?
We select 8-10 startups per cohort. This allows us to offer personalized attention to each team, with weekly 1:1 mentorship and dedicated support.
What happens after the program?
After Demo Day, startups join our Alumni Network with permanent access to the AI Founders Italia community, mentorship opportunities for future cohorts, and ongoing support for fundraising and international expansion.