Applications are now open for the Startup Accelerator Program 2026 cohort.

Every year, we open our doors to a new group of founders. Not the ones with the perfect deck or the cleanest pitch – the ones with a real problem, a serious team, and the drive to figure it out. The 2026 cycle of the Startup Accelerator Program is now officially open. Here is everything you need to know.

What is the Startup Accelerator Program?

The Startup Accelerator Program is a structured support track designed for early-stage founders who are at the ideation or validation phase. Over the course of the program, selected startups work closely with mentors, operators, and industry experts to structure their idea, build a first version of their product, and acquire their first clients.

The program is backed by Fondation Al Mada and operates within the broader Al Mada ecosystem – giving founders access to a network that goes far beyond the walls of the program itself.

What this cohort is focused on.

Each cycle has a direction. For 2026, we are particularly focused on startups working in three areas: financial inclusion, agricultural technology, and healthcare access. These are not filters – founders from all sectors are welcome to apply. But these are the areas where we are investing the most in terms of mentor expertise and partner connections this year.

We are also placing a stronger emphasis on team composition this cycle. A strong solo founder can absolutely be selected, but we will be paying close attention to how founders have thought about building the right team around them.

Who should apply.

You are a good fit if :

You have identified a real problem and have spent meaningful time understanding it. You may or may not have a product already – what matters is that you have a clear hypothesis and a serious commitment to testing it. You are based in Morocco, and you are ready to invest the time the program requires.

You are a good fit if :

You are looking for funding without the work that comes before it. Or if you have a fully mature product and an existing commercial pipeline – in that case, the Startup Accelerator Link is the right track for you.

“We don’t select finished products. We select founders who are clear on the problem and serious about solving it.”

What the program includes.

Over the course of the program, accepted founders get access to weekly structured workshops covering product, market, go-to-market strategy, legal basics, and fundraising fundamentals. Each startup is assigned a dedicated advisor who tracks progress and facilitates introductions throughout the program.

Beyond the structured content, much of the value comes from the cohort itself – a group of founders at a similar stage, working through similar challenges, in the same room.

The program concludes with a Demo Day in front of investors, corporate partners, and members of the Al Mada ecosystem.

Key dates.

• Applications open: May 6, 2026
• Applications close: June 15, 2026
• Interview period: June 20 – July 5, 2026
• Cohort start: September 1, 2026

How to apply.

The application is fully online and takes between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. You will be asked to provide information about your startup, your team, your market, and your motivation for joining the program. You will also need to upload a pitch deck – a rough version is fine at this stage.

All applications are reviewed by our team. Shortlisted candidates are contacted for a one-on-one interview with program advisors and sector experts. Every applicant – selected or not – receives a response by email.

If you have questions before applying, you can reach us through the contact form or browse the FAQ section for answers to the most common questions.