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Pre-Acceleration program
Turning your disruptive idea into a viable business

"At B4i we've found an immersive experience with intensive lectures and practical one-to-one sessions with mentors and business angels. Their network and everyone's commitment to helping startup teams thrive helped us solve problems we didn't know we had."

Alessia Rosa, Nadim Conti, Valentina Lidoni and Pablo Giaccaglia, Previeni

"The B4i Pre-acceleration program was instrumental in shaping our entrepreneurial mindset. We were encouraged to “get out of the building”, which led us to successfully launch the very first version of our impact startup! Highly recommended."

Christian Pulieri and Fausto Capriotti, Math Legacy

"The B4i Pre-acceleration program allowed us to validate our idea and identify the best business model. We would highly recommend it as it provides access to high level mentors and network, beautiful workspaces and constant challenges that push you to improve."

Giuseppe D'Alessandro, Massimo Sabatini, Massimo Brochetta and Riccardo Bottiroli, Foreverland food

"The B4i pre-acceleration program has played a key role in turning our business idea into reality through diverse, interactive training sessions and the access to the invaluable network of the Bocconi community."

Giulio Simone and Irene Simone, Zero Impack

The Pre-Acceleration program in brief

The B4i Pre-Accelerator is a 3-month free training program designed to transform early-stage business ideas into Minimum Viable Products.

This program is open to aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and expertise levels. It is mostly online, making it compatible with any work or study commitments, and no prior entrepreneurial experience is required.

The program includes 11 Saturday morning sessions that cover the most important aspects of starting a business, such as customer discovery, market assessment, business model development, MVP design, financial planning, and more.

Participants will also benefit from dedicated mentorship, legal support, exclusive perks, and access to the Bocconi network.

What is included

  • Online sessions with mentors (minimum 5 meeting) to address specific matters using appropriate digital tools
  • An internal Demo Day event with B4i team, speakers, advisors and mentors
  • Free and discounted services from Bocconi and over 50 affiliated service providers (databases, payment systems, CRM, and more)
  • Pro bono legal orientation in areas such as IP strategy, IP protection, privacy, company setup
  • A final Demo Day event for the top-selected teams to pitch their ideas to a audience of experts and potential investors
  • Ongoing support from the B4i team for idea validation, go-to-market strategies, pitch refinement, and everything else needed to help you grow your business
  • Evening sessions with experienced speakers for in-depth discussions on specific topics (customer interview techniques, how-to-pitch, rapid testing, fundraising etc.)
  • Networking events and access to Bocconi network
  • One-on-one meetings with our speakers to apply lessons learned and receive practical tips

Legal Desks and business support services

The Legal Desks provide initial guidance on the legal regulations relevant to startups. As part of the training program, these desks concentrate on key areas such as privacy, intellectual property, and company law. Furthermore, business support services are available upon request, offering preliminary assistance in HR management, including payroll duties, as well as basic tax advisory services.

Highlights



172
startups pre-accelerated

15
startups
(average batch size)

50+
hours of training
(each batch)

20
one-to-one meetings
(each batch, with Program’s stakeholders)

KEY DATES
May 9
2025

Applications opening
The application period opens: it’s time to propose your startup

Jun 22
2025

Applications deadline
The application period closes and our team begins the process of candidates selection

Sept
2025

Start of the program
The selected candidates begin their 3-month program

Dec
2025

End of the program
The initial ideas of entrepreneurs have now taken the form of a minimum viable product

Feb
2026

Demo day
Top-selected teams will pitch their ideas in front of a panel of evaluators including potential investors, customers and advisors

Our application calls open twice a year in May and November.
The two batches kick off in March and September and welcome up to 20 teams per batch.

Is it for you?

The program is open to anyone (there’s no need to be a Bocconi student or alumnus/a) and is accessible to individuals from any background and expertise level. However, to be eligible, you must meet certain requirements:

  • Participants need to be in a team of at least 2 people, who must have reached the age of majority.
  • We expect participants to be able to speak English, since the program is entirely held in English.
  • Please note: we expect participants to attend all sessions and workshops.
READ THE PROGRAM'S FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Read the General Conditions for participation in the program
How to apply
FAQ

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Speakers

Mentors

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Affiliated service providers

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