AcceleratorEquity-free

MassChallenge

Zero-equity, no-fee accelerator: founders compete for non-dilutive prizes, up to CHF 1M in the 2026 Switzerland program.

Invests

No investment; prize pools

Takes

No equity

Length

About 4 months (Switzerland), 10 weeks (Healthcare and Life Sciences Traction)

Where

Boston

The deal

Takes no equity and charges no program fee; startups compete for equity-free cash and in-kind awards (up to CHF 1M pool in Switzerland 2026).

A nonprofit accelerator that takes no equity and charges no fee, running US and international early-stage programs plus industry tracks. Startups get mentors, corporate partners and the chance to win equity-free cash awards. Programs are open to any industry; there is no AI-specific track listed.

Invests: No investment; prize pools
Takes: No equity
Length: About 4 months (Switzerland), 10 weeks (Healthcare and Life Sciences Traction)
Format: Hybrid
Based in: Boston, US
Runs in: Boston, Lausanne, Remote
Stage: Early stage (Switzerland: under CHF 2M raised and under CHF 2M revenue)
Focus: Sector agnostic, with health and climate tracks
Cohorts: Annual cohorts per program
Perks: Mentors, corporate partner access, boot camps, in-kind awards

Notable alumni and portfolio

FlywireLocalyticsEverTrue

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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