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PROOF is a 10-week accelerator by Innovato for technical founders building AI ventures. Unlike traditional accelerators that focus on pitching and fundraising, PROOF focuses on one thing: producing measurable proof that your AI solution works. The program runs fully remote with a structured 2D-2W-2M sprint methodology.

We back founders with deep domain expertise and active AI/technical capability. Ideal applicants include AI engineers, MS/PhD students in engineering, medicine, or natural sciences, experienced professionals with access to proprietary data, and consultants who know where real industry problems are. You don't need a startup idea — you need a problem worth solving.

The Proof Track is for experienced builders with strong AI capability and domain expertise. There is no upfront equity cost — PROOF holds a 2% equity option, exercisable within 2 years of program completion. The Ignite Track is for motivated professionals with domain expertise ready to build with AI. The program cost is €2,500 (excluding VAT). Track assignment is determined after the selection interview and is kept private within the cohort.

PROOF does not take equity on day one. Proof Track founders grant a 2% equity option exercisable within 2 years of program completion, in exchange for the services provided. Nothing changes at the start — the option only becomes meaningful if you build something valuable. PROOF may also exercise a right to invest additional capital at a 3% stake within the same window. This alignment means we succeed only when you succeed.

The Ignite Track fee of €2,500 (excluding VAT) covers the full 10-week program including mentorship, methodology access, weekly sessions, and all program resources. No equity is taken from Ignite Track founders. Payment is made upon acceptance, before the program begins.

Cohort 1 begins March 17, 2026. Applications close April 24, 2026. The program runs for 10 weeks with a structured sprint schedule.

PROOF is fully remote. All sessions, mentorship, and collaboration happen online. This allows us to accept the best founders regardless of location.

We review every application within 5 business days. If your profile is a potential fit, we schedule a 30-minute video interview. The interview assesses domain depth, problem clarity, technical credibility, and self-awareness. Accepted founders receive their track assignment and onboarding details.

Yes. You don't need a startup idea to apply. You need domain expertise and a problem space you understand deeply. The first phase of PROOF (the 2-Day Sprint) is designed to help you identify and validate a specific problem worth solving.

The program includes: structured sprint methodology (2D-2W-2M), access to AI development tools (Claude, Cursor, v0, etc.), weekly group sessions, bi-weekly 1-on-1 mentorship, peer cohort of 6 founders, and a clear framework for turning domain expertise into a validated AI venture.