• Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the overall operation, the final format of the Semi-final Round and Final Round has not yet been finalized. However, if either the Semi-final or the Final is hosted in Hangzhou, China, all selected teams will receive a sponsored trip to Hangzhou, China with reimbursement up to USD $3,000 towards transportation & accommodation to participate in the on-site competition. The teams will also be invited to visit leading tech players such as Alibaba and other tech startups in the local ecosystem. 

• No, though you and your team are welcome to set up a local entity in Hangzhou, China, with extensive supports from our local partners. 
• The final cash prize will be deposited into your preferred company bank account.
• Specific founders might be qualified for the Special Talent Grant up to $700,000, which varies based on the founder’s background. Please contact us to inquire about further details should any interest arise. The Special Talent Grant is separate from the awards.

• All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You should receive a notification from our end most likely in May and June. All notifications will be sent out by June 30, 2020. 
• If you do not hear back from us by the end of June 30, 2020, it means we have decided to move forward with other applications.

• No. The Supernova Global 2020 Pitch is open to all startups from different sectors, but preference goes to the following sectors:
  • Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare, Biotech, Digital Manufacturing, Blockchain, Big Data, Aerospace, Internet, Quantum Computing

Cross-border Acceleration
Our extensive international connections make us a bridge between the US and Asia, giving founders access to large and rapidly developing markets.

Long Term Partnership
We are devoted partners looking to build fruitful and supportive relationships with founders beyond the accelerator program period.

Tailored Approach
We tailor our investors, mentors, and guidance specifically for every portfolio company. What matters most to us is that we help you create a positive and valuable societal impact.

Most of our portfolio companies are software or software-related in some way, and are either B2B or B2C focused. That said, we have invested in hardware companies and are also on the lookout for some blockchain and AI-focused companies.

– $50,000 USD for each portfolio company
– Legal assistance for company formation and IP protection
– Incubator space available in New York for each team
– Weekly speaker series and talks on launching, managing, and growing early-stage startups
– Office hours with Lair East Labs management team and mentor network
– Workshops by our partners
– $350K+ of free hosting credits for major cloud providers, developer tools, product development platforms, and office space.

Yes, you most certainly should!

Please note that we cannot provide visas, so they will be your responsibility if you’re accepted to the program.

Yes, our program is residential so we ask that your core team be present in NYC for the duration of the program. Very rarely we give exceptions.