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✨The AI program of the NYCEDC International Landing Pad Network

NYC AI Landing Pad:

Scale Your Startup in the Center of Global Innovation

Empowering high-growth AI companies to expand through expert mentorship, strategic connections, and the strength of a 35,000+ network of innovators

Apply by Jan 9, 2026

Build, Connect, and Scale Through NYC's Premier AI Program

Expert Guidance and 1:1 Mentorship

High-impact programs and hands-on mentorship by seasoned operators, AI founders, and investors to help you scale successfully in the NYC market

Tailored Connections & Market Access

Curated Introductions to potential customers, investors, and top-tier talent through exclusive events and targeted networking to accelerate traction and capital

Embedded Presence in NYC's Ecosystem

Instant access to a 35,000+ community, dedicated co-working, and visibility in the heart of New York's innovation ecosystem

Built for Global Founders Ready to Scale

A 12-Month Program for Traction and Growth

Curated introductions to potential customers, VCs, and top-tier talent tailored to your startup, through exclusive events and targeted networking opportunities, leveraging Supermomos' connections and Lightspeed's portfolio network
Strategic 1:1 guidance on scaling GTM, raising capital, building/scaling teams, navigating immigration, and nailing product-market fit in new markets
Expert workshops and masterclasses covering AI-specific topics: scaling GTM, fundraising strategies, enterprise sales playbooks, breaking into new ecosystems, navigating US AI regulations, and hiring top engineering talent
Access to 1:1 mentorship from industry leaders such as AI founders/operators, enterprise buyers, GTM leaders who have seen scale and internationalization
Complimentary cohort-exclusive coworking space for 1 year (up to 2 people per startup) with 24/7 access, meeting rooms, and event space.
Connections to top-tier partners offering discounted rates on everything you need to set up in a new market – legal, accounting, payroll, and more

Capital Connections That Power Expansion

Fast-track meetings with Lightspeed partners for qualified companies
Curated investor dinners with funds actively deploying capital in AI
Strategic guidance on fundraising strategy, pitch refinement, and preparation from operators who are ahead on their capital journey

Continued Access and Opportunity

Lifetime access to the AI Landing Pad alumni network — an invite-only community of global AI founders and investors, with ongoing events, peer support, and capital access even after the program ends
Priority invitations to exclusive Supermomos and Lightspeed salons, investor dinners, and ecosystem events
Preferred access to partner benefits such as discounted coworking memberships and professional-services packages

Key Dates

Application Deadline

Jan 9, 2026 (11:59pm ET)

Decision Notification

Jan 30, 2026

Program Start Date

Mar 2, 2026

Rolling applications accepted after the deadline on a space-available basis

Sector Focus

Artificial Intelligence (AI) spanning applied, consumer, and enterprise AI, plus frontier technologies driving measurable business and societal impact across industries

Applied AIConsumer AIEnterprise AIFrontier Technologies

Eligibility

•$5M+ in annualized revenue and/or funds raised
•Currently operating outside the United States
•Plan to set up in NYC and grow a team of 5+ within 24 months
•Clear AI-driven product or service with demonstrated market traction

Presented by

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors, with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. NYCEDC's Startup and Venture Capital Internship Programs are aimed at supporting tech-enabled startups and VC firms with capacity to host interns, grow their teams, and strengthen their businesses, while developing equitable and efficient talent pipelines in New York City's tech sector.

Supermomos is the world's first verified IRL professional community, and NYC's premier platform for connecting 30,000+ professionals in tech, business, and finance sectors, including 3,000+ startup founders. They are dedicated to bringing people together in real life to foster meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, all while facilitating the participation of underrepresented minority groups. They are also behind major industry events including Super AI ML Summit and the Women's Leadership Summit at the NYSE.

Lightspeed is a leading global multi-stage investment firm, investing across venture to late-stage growth, with a focus on accelerating disruptive innovations in AI, Enterprise, Financial Services, Consumer, Health, and B2B. Over the past two decades, the Lightspeed team has backed hundreds of entrepreneurs building some of the most innovative and category-defining companies in the world. Globally, Lightspeed has invested in more than 500 companies, including Anthropic, Epic Games, Snapchat, Rubrik, Wiz, Oyo, Zepto, PocketFM, Physics Wallah and many others.