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BAJ Accelerator

Igniting the Future of AI Innovation.

New York, NY, USA

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Description

BAIA (Baltic American Innovation Academy), often referred to as the BAJ Accelerator, is a boutique startup accelerator and venture builder designed to bridge the tech ecosystems of the Baltic/Eastern European region and the United States. They typically look for companies with a functional Minimum Viable Product and some evidence of customer validation. 
  • Online Portal: Founders apply via the BAJ Accelerator website or through partner platforms like F6S.
  • Materials Required: A standard pitch deck, business plan, and a specific "U.S. Market Entry" strategy are often required.
  • Focus: They prioritize startups with high technical complexity (Deep Tech, AI, FinTech) that are ready for international expansion.
  • Rolling Basis: BAJ often accepts applications for its venture building services year-round.
  • Cohort Cycles: Official cohort programs are typically announced twice a year.
  • 2026 Deadlines: Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort are expected to open in late 2025/early 2026. 

Eligibility

  • Geography: Strong focus on startups from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and other Central/Eastern European countries.
  • Sector Focus: Industry agnostic, but historically strong in FinTech, AI, Cybersecurity, and Life Sciences.
  • Market Ambition: Must have a clear goal of establishing a presence or raising capital in the United States.

Process

  1. Selection: A competitive review process focused on the team's ability to execute in a global market.
  2. Acceleration Program: An intensive, multi-week program (often hybrid or based in New York City) focusing on "soft landing" in the U.S., legal structuring, and sales.
  3. Mentorship: Direct coaching from successful Baltic-American entrepreneurs and NYC-based industry experts.
  4. Demo Day: A final showcase in front of high-net-worth individuals and institutional venture capitalists in the U.S. and Europe.

What an Applicant can Obtain

  • Capital: Access to direct investment from associated funds and a network of angel investors.
  • U.S. Soft Landing: Practical support for company incorporation in the U.S., opening bank accounts, and navigating regulatory hurdles.
  • Network: Access to a high-level network of Baltic-American executives and investors in New York and Silicon Valley.