How to Get Accepted to Plug and Play Accelerator

The Plug and Play Tech Center (PnP) is a powerhouse global accelerator that blends startup support with deep corporate collaboration 🤝. Spanning 60+ locations and operating across 25+ industry verticals, PnP connects startups to real business opportunities—pilot projects, enterprise partnerships, and access to a vast global ecosystem. What sets it apart? Its no-equity model 💸 for accelerator participants and its strong ties with iconic companies like Visa, Mercedes-Benz, and Johnson & Johnson. Rather than focusing solely on early-stage funding, PnP is a launchpad for startups that want to build credibility, validate their tech, and grow by engaging directly with industry leaders 🌍.

🎯This guide explores the program structure, investment dynamics, application strategy, and key benefits for founders considering Plug and Play.

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Program Overview

Here’s a breakdown of what startups can expect:

🌐 Program Type: Global, hybrid (mostly remote with in-person Focus Weeks)

🏢 Locations: 60+ worldwide (Silicon Valley HQ, Germany, Japan, Brazil, UAE, and more)

💰 Investment: Optional via Plug and Play Ventures ($25K–$500K)

📈 Equity Taken: None for program participation; equity only if investment is made

⏳ Program Duration: Typically 10–12 weeks

💼 Stage: Stage-agnostic (Pre-seed to Growth-stage)

🧭 Focus Areas: Fintech, Health, Mobility, Insurtech, Energy, AI, Manufacturing, Sustainability, and 20+ more

💡 Pro Tip: PnP is ideal if you’re ready to pilot your product with major corporations and scale through partnerships—not just looking for cash.

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Why Choose Plug and Play Accelerator?

PnP stands out by focusing on business development over funding. Startups join to land enterprise deals, pilots, or partnerships. Here’s what makes it unique:

🤝 550+ Corporate Partners: Including Visa, Walmart, Mercedes-Benz, Roche, Intel, and Johnson & Johnson

🧪 Pilot Opportunities: Focused on launching Proof of Concepts (POCs) and pilot projects with corporates

💼 No Equity Required: You keep your cap table clean—equity is optional via PnP Ventures

🌍 Global Market Access: Tap into regional innovation hubs and multinational partners

📊 Data-Backed Success: 2,000+ startups invested in, $12B+ raised, 30+ unicorns emerged

💡 If you want enterprise traction, not just demo days—this is your stage.

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Plug and Play Accelerator Eligibility Criteria

Plug and Play doesn’t limit by stage, but here’s what makes a strong fit:

🛠 Product Stage: MVP or functional demo highly preferred

🧠 Team Strength: Full-time, complementary founding team with deep domain knowledge

📈 Market Size: Large addressable market with scalable solution

📊 Traction: Early customers, partnerships, or revenue (preferred but not always required)

🎯 Corporate Relevance: Clear alignment with one or more of PnP’s corporate partners

💡 Pro Tip: Review the partner list for your target program—if you’re not relevant to them, it’s a hard sell.

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Application Process

The selection process is corporate-driven and highly competitive. Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Apply Online: Through PnP’s main site or specific program pages
2️⃣ Screening & Due Diligence: Internal teams shortlist top 10% of applicants
3️⃣ Corporate Partner Review: Startups are ranked based on alignment with partners
4️⃣ Selection Day: 30–40 shortlisted startups pitch live to partners
5️⃣ Final Cohort Chosen: 10–25 startups selected per batch

💡 Pro Tip: Your pitch should highlight pilot potential, not just investment readiness.

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Plug and Play Accelerator Investment Terms

Investment is optional and comes through PnP Ventures, their in-house VC arm:

💸 Check Size: $25K to $500K

📉 No Equity for Participation: Investment decisions are separate from the program

🤝 Terms: Typically SAFEs or convertible notes with flexible terms

🌱 Follow-On Support: Access to co-investors and broader VC network (180+ funds)

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’re not looking for capital, participation can lead to strategic investment down the line.

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Tips for a Strong Application

Maximize your chances of getting into Plug and Play:

📌 Align with Corporate Partners: Research which corporates are involved in your target vertical and explain exactly how your product solves their pain points or fits their innovation roadmap.

💡 Showcase Pilot Potential: Outline specific pilot or Proof of Concept (POC) ideas. Mention how you could integrate with a corporate’s systems, run a small-scale test, or scale an internal use case.

🔍 Demonstrate Traction or Validation: Share quantitative proof—such as user growth, revenue milestones, previous pilots, partnerships, or letters of intent. Make your traction impossible to ignore.

🎯 Present a Killer Team: Show the unique edge your team has—whether that’s technical expertise, past exits, domain-specific knowledge, or a history of building together. Include LinkedIn links or previous achievements if possible.

📽️ Nail the Pitch Video: Create a crisp, engaging video (ideally under 2 minutes) that clearly shows what your product does, why it matters, and why now. Show energy, clarity, and a strong call to action.

💡 Pro Tip: Think less like a startup pitching investors—and more like a vendor pitching enterprise customers.

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FAQs

❓ Is it really equity-free?
Yes—PnP does not take equity for participating in the program. However, if you choose to raise funding from PnP Ventures, standard investment terms (via SAFE or convertible note) will apply.

❓ Can I apply without revenue?
Yes, revenue is not a requirement. But you’ll improve your chances significantly if you can show traction—whether through pilots, letters of intent (LOIs), user growth, or other proof of validation.

❓ Is the program remote or in-person?
The core of the program is remote-first, making it accessible globally. However, PnP organizes Focus Weeks and Demo Days in-person at select locations, offering opportunities to meet corporates and investors face-to-face.

❓ What if my startup doesn’t fit a vertical?
PnP runs more than 25 industry-specific programs. If your startup doesn’t align with at least one vertical—like Fintech, Health, Sustainability, or Mobility—it may not be the best fit.

❓ Do I need an MVP to apply?
Yes, ideally. While PnP is stage-agnostic, most selected startups have a working MVP, prototype, or live product to showcase to partners.

❓ Can international startups apply?
Absolutely. Plug and Play is global, and many cohorts feature companies from outside the U.S.—especially if they’re targeting international corporate partners.

❓ Do I need to relocate?
No. Relocation is not required. However, attending in-person events like Focus Weeks or Demo Day is strongly encouraged if your schedule allows.

❓ Is there a program fee?
No. Participation is free. PnP does not charge startups to join its accelerator.

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🔍 Final Thoughts

Plug and Play is built for startups that:

• Have a live product or MVP
• Are aiming for corporate pilots, not just pitch competitions
• Operate in a clear vertical (e.g., Fintech, Health, Energy)
• Want enterprise exposure, market validation, and global reach

💡 If you’re targeting real-world partnerships and long-term growth—this is one of the best platforms to be on.