By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Cookie Policy for more information.
Our programs
/
Pre-Seed

IOTA APAC Accelerator

From 24th of June to 20th of September
Singapore

IOTA APAC Accelerator: 12 weeks to tokenize and scale your startup with our focus on real-world assets. Join us on the cutting edge of digital innovation

Applications are open for IOTA APAC Accelerator. We are looking for start-ups who are building products/solutions on EVM. IOTA APAC Accelerator is a 12-weeks program to bring start-ups in the mentioned themes onto IOTA EVM and support these start-ups with resources to help them scale and grow.

 

During the 12-weeks, start-ups will get to interact with IOTA Foundation Team and Industry Experts. There will also be Masterclasses on topics to help the cohort identify and strengthen their business proposition, and ending with a Demo Day where the cohort gets to pitch to investors for funding during Token2049 week.

 

Deadline of application: 3rd May 2024

What
IOTA APAC Accelerator is a 12 weeks program supporting start-ups to build on IOTA’s EVM
When
Applications are open 25th March to 3rd May 2024. Program will commence from 24th June to 20th September 2024
Where
Virtual Program & On-site session with Demo Day held in during Token2049 week.

Benefits

Program Grant

Receive $USD 50,000 program grant (no equity taken)

Unlock Your Startup's Potential

Up to $USD 10,000 in marketing support per startup.

Some of our success stories

No items found.

Focus topics

Real World Assets (RWA) tokenization

DeFi

Institutional DeFi Services

Infrastructure

About IOTA

IOTA is a global not-for-profit foundation, incorporated and headquartered in Germany, Switzerland and Abu Dhabi, dedicated to revolutionizing real-world assets (RWA) and tokenization through its support for distributed ledger technologies (DLT). The IOTA Foundation's mission encompasses the research and development of innovative DLT solutions, fostering education, and facilitating the adoption of these technologies. By creating vibrant ecosystems and advocating for standardization, the Foundation is at the forefront of enabling secure, scalable digital innovations in asset management and beyond.

Learn more about IOTA

No items found.

What we'll cover

Find out what we will cover in our masterclasses.

No items found.

Requirements

Founding Team

Strong, technical founding team that leverages (or plans to leverage) IOTA EVM to build awesome products

MVP Ready

Developed at least an MVP –the more user adoption and validation you already see the better

Vision

Bold, visionary entrepreneurs with the goal to build a scalable, growing business

Categories

Teams that are building products/ services for Real World Assets (RWA), DeFi, Institutional DeFi Services and Infrastructure are encouraged to apply.

The startups

Meet
the team

Jonas Thürig

Jonas Thürig

Managing Partner & CMO
Jorden Tan

Jorden Tan

Program Manager
Martin Pasquier

Martin Pasquier

Program Manager

Meet
your partners

No items found.

Have questions?

Reach out to our team

Katrina Bernardo

Katrina Bernardo

Investment Associate

FAQ

Who can apply for the IOTA APAC Accelerator?

Submitting an application requires you to be at least 18 years of age and not a citizen of, or located in, a country or territory on an OFAC Sanctions List. To benefit meaningfully from the program, you should at least have an MVP that can capture sufficient market demand. Ideally, you’re part of a technical founding team, have developed a strong product, and demonstrate entrepreneurial drive.

Where can I learn more about IOTA?

For more information and a broad range of resources, incl. reference docs, visit iota.org. The IOTA is entirely public open source. Find a number of source code examples and tutorials here https://wiki.iota.org/. A great way to engage with the IOTA community is joining the Discord channel. An understanding of the ledger and the technical ability to execute your project by the core team are critical elements in our assessment.

Do I have to have a company in order to receive funding from the IOTA APAC Accelerator?

Not necessarily. We will, on a case-by-case basis, consider applications submitted by small teams pre-incorporation. Potential venture funding after concluding the program, however, is only accessible to incorporated entities and not individuals.

Is venture funding/funding for equity part of the IOTA APAC Accelerator?

Not by default. We understand each startup has a unique growth path, need for funding, and commercial potential. When concluding the program, early-stage investors assess each startup individually for a fair valuation based on funding requirements. Finishing the program does not guarantee an investment offer. If an investment offer is extended to your team, it is up to you whether or not to accept the term sheet/conditions; joining the program entails in no way any commitment to give away equity. Startups can join the program irrespective of when/how/if they plan to raise funds. Your fundraising objectives play no role in evaluating your application; we evaluate based on product, team, traction, and scalability.

Based on what criteria are applications to the IOTA APAC Accelerator?

We accept teams that are building on IOTA EVM and have at least an MVP or a roadmap to launch one. Further, evaluations will be based on whether your team has strong technical foundations and is devoted to the project. Your team should have a strong hypothesis on its market validation and there should be sufficient market opportunity. In evaluating your application, we take a balanced, holistic approach, and blend quantitative with qualitative factors. If you’re unsure about the readiness of your startup for the accelerator, please feel free to get in touch, or submit your application regardless as you may always reapply.

Can I reapply if a previous application was unsuccessful to the IOTA APAC Accelerator?

Yes, we strongly encourage you to do so. If you reapply, please emphasize the progress you accomplished since having submitted your previous, unsuccessful application.

What information will I need to provide in my application to the IOTA APAC Accelerator ?

Submitting an application should take no more than 15 minutes. We ask you to provide details about your product, traction, and organization. You can upload supporting materials, preferably a pitch deck. Please submit your GitHub repo and ensure it’s accessible to us for faster reviewing.

Can I apply if my team has previously been part of other IOTA or Tenity funding programs?

Yes, we strongly encourage recipients of other IOTA funding programs or Tenity programs to apply for the accelerator program. Whether your team benefited from other IOTA funding programs before will have no impact on how we evaluate your application; all we look at is your product, team, traction, and scalability.

Can I apply for a cohort outside of the region my team is based in?

Yes. We do, however, strongly encourage you to apply for a cohort that best suits your business interests and team setup. Mentor availability and curriculum delivery align with the timezone of the program location. Part of the program content is tailored to the respective region. Each cohort features an on-site demo week at the end of the program; we strongly encourage each participating team to make use of this opportunity. We aim to align the on-site demo week with a global blockchain conference in the respective location.


Is being on-site a requirement for participating in the program?

No, the default format of the program is hybrid and predominantly virtual. You are welcome to join us on-site at all times, but if you’re unable to travel, you can still access all benefits the program offers. Each cohort features an on-site demo week at the end of the program; we strongly encourage each participating team to make use of this opportunity. We aim to align the on-site demo week with a global blockchain conference in the respective location.

When will my team receive the $50,000 USD IOTA APAC Accelerator award?

The award amount you request should be determined by the scope of work that you wish to complete using your grant. Your application must contain milestones/scope of work and a budget breakdown detailing how you intend to spend any awarded funds. Your budget should include estimates for conversion rates and taxes.

Who runs the operations of the IOTA APAC Accelerator?

The IOTA APAC Accelerator program is offered by IOTA Foundation

Does participating in the IOTA APAC Accelerator mean my organization becomes directly affiliated with IOTA?

No, solely participating in the program does not by default make you an affiliate of IOTA Foundation. The terms for participating do not alter the terms or conditions of any other agreement you may have with IOTA.

Are there any conditions attached to the IOTA APAC Accelerator award?

No, the award can essentially be seen as a grant and is to support your team throughout participating in the program. The program award requires no equity or commitments from you in return. Each recipient is responsible for determining possible tax implications of receiving such grants, which depend on your respective jurisdiction. A small, capped portion of no more than $10,000 USD is earmarked for program-related expenses and services your team will benefit from, such as legal advisory (favorable terms & rates) or mentoring.

What time commitment should my team expect from participating in the program?

This primarily depends on your individual goals and what your team aims to get out of the program. Pre-scheduled, fixed program elements will not exceed 3h per week, but you are strongly encouraged to engage with mentors, experts, and other program content as much as possible.

Where can I find the terms & conditions for the IOTA APAC Accelerator?

Terms & conditions can be viewed here.