AcceleratorAI-firstEquity-freeby Fifty Years

5050 AI

Free 14-week part-time program that helps scientists and engineers turn AI research into startups. No equity, no fees.

Invests

Free

Takes

No equity

Length

14 weeks, 3 to 4 hours a week

Where

San Francisco

The deal

Free to join, with no equity, no fees and no special clauses.

5050 is Fifty Years' program for scientists and engineers who want to become founders, with an AI track. It runs part time alongside a PhD, postdoc or job, with a kickoff weekend and an off-grid camp. Alumni have started about 100 companies.

Invests: Free
Takes: No equity
Length: 14 weeks, 3 to 4 hours a week
Format: Hybrid
Based in: San Francisco, US
Runs in: San Francisco, Boston, London, Remote
Stage: Pre-company (researchers and engineers)
Focus: Scientists, engineers and builders turning AI and deep tech research into companies
Cohorts: 2026 US cohort ran spring to July with an SF kickoff on April 4; UK cohort with ARIA ran March to June 2026
Perks: Mentorship from founders and investors, kickoff weekend, off-grid founder camp

Notable alumni and portfolio

PlasmidsaurusMedraClippershipKano Therapeutics

Apply ↗Website ↗Ask the room

Terms as published by the program; verified October 2026. Programs change their deal every year, the apply page is the source of truth.

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