MIT's Building Global Innovators (BGI) program is looking for its next batch of tech-based entrepreneurs. BGI is an intense global innovation accelerator powered by the unique collaboration of the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE), the MIT Portugal Program, MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation, and the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship. The accelerator invites ambitious entrepreneurs and global startups working on a technology-based solution to a global problem to apply. The four research areas of interest are: medical devices and health; information technology, smart cities, and industry 4.0 solutions; enterprise information technology and smart data; and water economy. First call is open until April 30.
BGI is directed toward aspiring entrepreneurs and tech-based startups and/or spinouts that are at most 5 years old). In 2015, BGI joined the 100 Top Tech Accelerators featured in the Hot Topics Accelerator 100, the Top 20 EU Accelerators by Fundacity, and the EiT Digital Network.
In its seventh edition, BGI will accept up to 16 ventures, four at each track. The teams will be competing for a 100,000-euro venture capital investment awarded by Caixa Capital, and an in-kind support valued at 1 million euro, comprised of a structured nine-month program with over 1,150 hours of expert mentorship and business development per team. The teams will also be involved in acceleration bootcamps at the University Institute of Lisbon (all teams) and MIT (selected teams), and can expect continued alumni support for up to five years upon graduation. This is a great opportunity to earn international exposure to the top members of the global entrepreneurial and innovation community.
To date, BGI has nearly 70 active alumni companies, which have raised over 73 million euros in financing (69 percent from venture capital), and created more than 450 high-tech jobs and over 14 million euros in accumulated revenues.
Online applications for the first phase are open until April 30. The second and last call is open until June 5.
