Expanding what founders believe is possible in AI
Trailblazers Program exists to expand founders' sense of what's possible in AI through an immersive experience in Silicon Valley — and empower them to bring that ambition home. First cohort already selected, applications open for future cohorts.
Nomination Process
Trailblazers is an international immersion program designed to expose a select group of founders and entrepreneurs to the world's most advanced AI ecosystem, and empower them to bring that ambition back home.
About the Program
The program brings participants to Silicon Valley for an intensive, multi-day experience where frontier research, high-growth startups, global technology companies, and leading investors converge.
Exposure to the AI ecosystem
Engagement with frontier research, high-growth startups, global technology companies, and leading investors.
Proximity over traditional learning
Not a traditional tour or classroom-based course, but direct exposure to how AI companies are built and decisions are made.
Curated access
Curated visits, closed-door conversations, and participation in AI-focused programming.
Ambition that carries forward
A perspective shaped by environment, designed to empower participants to bring expanded ambition back home.
Key Program Facts
Total Participants
15
Selection Process
Nomination
Trip Duration
1 week
Trip Dates
May 17 - 23
What Participants will Gain
Exposure to the AI Frontier
Firsthand exposure to the global AI frontier through interaction with leading AI companies, startups, investors, and researchers in Silicon Valley.
A Step-Change in Ambition
A step-change in perspective and ambition shaped by how world-class AI founders think, build, and scale in Silicon Valley.
AI Company Building Insight
Practical insight into AI company building, spanning product engineering, design, and go-to-market approaches.
Selection Process
Trailblazers is about mindset and responsibility. Fellows are selected not only for the companies they are building today, but for the influence they can have tomorrow. First cohort already selected, applications open for future cohorts.
Apply for future cohortsExplore the IEC
Launched in November 2023, MBZUAI Incubation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) aims to be the leading AI-native incubator in MENA, setting the standard for nurturing AI startups, and solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a hub of AI innovation
