AppWorks Accelerator is a biannual program designed for high-growth founders looking to scale across Asia. The initiative provides a zero-equity platform for entrepreneurs to access a vast network of mentors, alumni, and corporate partners, focusing on sectors like AI, Web3, and deep tech. The program is structured to support startups at various stages, from initial prototyping to regional expansion, by offering a collaborative environment and strategic resources.
Program Overview and Core Benefits
- Participation is completely free, with no equity, tokens, or service fees required from startups.
- Founders gain immediate access to a community of 50 batchmates and an alumni network of over 2,000 founders.
- The program provides personalized mentorship from over 100 industry leaders and serial entrepreneurs.
- Participants receive hands-on fundraising guidance and curated business development opportunities with leading regional corporates.
- Demo Days are hosted in major hubs including Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta to facilitate investor connections.
Strategic Focus Areas for AW#32
- Manufacturing AI: Leveraging Taiwan’s hardware and supply chain ecosystem to develop and test smart manufacturing solutions.
- Defense Tech: Focusing on dual-use technologies such as robotics, sensing, cybersecurity, and advanced materials for national and industrial resilience.
- On-Chain Banking: Supporting builders who are modernizing financial infrastructure using Web3 technologies and programmable finance.
Accelerator Activities and Support Services
- Batch Retreat: An introductory getaway designed to forge lifelong relationships among batchmates.
- Demo Day: A platform to pitch to hundreds of investors, potential partners, and media outlets across Asia.
- Market Access & Biz Dev: Curated introductions and tailored meetings with leading corporations for partnership and PoC opportunities.
- Landing Pod: A sector-specific curated trip to explore the Taiwanese market with insights from local industry leaders.
- Mentor Program: Ongoing feedback and relationship building with a network of over 100 proven founders.
- Office Hours: Strategy sessions with domain Masters specializing in PR, legal, finance, accounting, recruiting, and design.
- Alumni Meetups: Regional events hosted in Taiwan and Pan-Asia to engage with the broader founder network.
- Recruiting Support: Access to in-house recruiters, university partnerships, and a pool of engineering talent.
Fundraising and Financial Support
- The program acts as both an accelerator and a venture capital firm, supporting fundraising via equity, SAFE, tokens, or SAFT.
- Founders receive assistance in navigating complex venture capital terms and structures.
- AppWorks can lead financing rounds and assemble tailored investor syndicates for participating startups.
- Direct connections are provided to alumni with successful fundraising experience for peer-to-peer insights.
Additional Perks and Partner Resources
- Access to tokens and credits from partners including GCP, AWS, Microsoft, OpenAI, Stripe, and Zendesk.
- Web3-specific perks such as support from auditing firms like Quantstamp and Halborn, and market makers like GSR.
- Specialized PR support and administrative assistance for paperwork and office space.
Application Timeline for AW#32
- Applications Open: November 18, 2025
- Applications Close: January 11, 2026
- Official Kick-off: March 17, 2026
- Demo Day: June 2026
Interested founders are encouraged to review the program details and submit their applications through the official portal before the January deadline. This program serves as a strategic partner for those looking to enter the Taiwan market and scale their technological innovations across the broader Asian landscape.