October 28, 2026 · MIT

Apply to the showcase

The Early Stage is a showcase for the earliest-stage AI teams. Convened by MIT's Commonwealth AI Group (CAIG) & supporting VCs, we are bringing together founders, investors, and industry leaders who are specifically looking for early ideas & talented teams.

We are domain agnostic; our only ask is that you have a complete idea with AI or ML at the center of it, and some evidence that you're solving a real problem.

Selected teams get a short stage slot, a cohort experience with office hours and introductions, opportunities to engage with investors and industry leaders.

Criteria to apply: Founded in the last 1–2 years, under $5M raised, 1-minute video submission.

Rolling selection, applications close December 31 · Selected teams announced Jan 2027

Founding team

Your name

This is how we'll send selection results.

Founder / co-founder / founding team LinkedIn profiles

Add one link per person.

Introduce yourselves

Founder video

One minute. We want to see who you are and what you're pitching. Please include a one-minute pitch of the problem, breakthrough and opportunity that your company seeks to address. Google Drive, YouTube, Loom, or similar link.

Product

The basics

Company name

What does it do — in 120 characters or less

0/120

What you're building

Describe the product

What does it do, who uses it, what problem does it solve, and what's the current state of it today? Be specific.

Product link

Website or live product — whatever best shows what you've built. Optional.

Traction & vision

Showcase readiness

Do you have users?

Yes No — but I have design partners No

Do you have revenue?

Yes No

Your insight

Why are you the right team to build this?

What drew you to this problem? What do you know about it that most people don't?

Who else is working on this, and what makes you different?

We're not looking for "no one else is doing this." Tell us what you understand about the space that your competitors haven't figured out yet.

Wrap-up

Status

Have you formed a legal entity?

Yes Not yet

Have you taken any investment?

Yes — actively Not yet, but soon No

If yes, how much?

What do you want to get out of presenting at The Early Stage?

Be specific. We use this to help shape event programming and specific networking opportunities.

Is there anything we should know that isn't captured in this application?

How did you hear about The Early Stage?

MIT and CAIG do not provide investment advice, recommend investments, negotiate investment transactions, structure investment terms, or make investment decisions on behalf of investors or participating companies. Any investment decisions are made independently by investors and companies.

By submitting, you're sharing this information with The Early Stage organizing team for the purpose of reviewing your application. Your materials may also be shared with participating VC firms and event partners for purposes of the event. Please do not share any confidential information. To request deletion of your data, email caig@mit.edu.

Application submitted

We'll be in touch by October 14 with next steps. Thanks for what you're building.