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  • Do I need to already be located in Switzerland?
    No. We are open to teams from across Europe and around the world. However, teams will need to be present in Rolle, Switzerland for all program dates.
  • Will the workshops and mentoring be in English?
    Yes. All workshops will be in English. Mentoring will generally be in English, unless you happen to be matched with a speaker of a mutual language.
  • Do I need to know English to attend?
    Yes, as all instruction and discussion will be in English, a good understanding of the language is required.
  • Where will we stay during the workshops?
    If you are not located in the Rolle/Geneva area, there are many hotel and AirBnb options. The program does not cover room and board.
  • Do we need to stay in Rolle for the entire period?
    Teams are required to be present for each workshop and welcome to work at the campus during operating hours, but only required to be present on workshop and pitch days.
  • Do I need to be in-person for all of the workshop dates?
    Yes. We require in-person attendance by the core co-founders of the startup.
  • We are a team of 3 founders, but only 2 can take part in-person. Can we still join the program?
    Maybe. We can review the possibility of the majority of co-founders attending, as long as key decisions can be made by the team.
  • We have equity funding, can we still join?
    Yes, startups who have raised early rounds are very much welcome, however, we usually don't work with startups who are beyond Series A.
  • Do I need a team / co-founders?
    Yes. All applications must have teams with at least 2 co-founders.
  • Do I need a "technical co-founder"?
    We expect your team to have the people necessary to get your venture launched. If you require technical expertise and leadership then this would be someone who is already on your team.
  • Are there any ideas that will not be accepted?
    In general, we are open to most ideas that suit the broad theme of the accelerator.
  • Will there be an opportunity to come to MIT?
    There is no official trip to MIT, but we would be happy to welcome you on campus!
  • Who will be mentors?
    Mentors will include a diverse group of successful startup founders, venture leaders, business strategists, and subject experts. Many mentors will be MIT alumni, both in the region and from around the world.
  • Who is eligible to apply?
    Any team of at least 2 people working on a startup related to theme of the accelerator.
  • Will I get an academic certificate from MIT?
    No. The workshop does not provide an MIT professional education certificate or any academic certificate. However, we do provide a certificate of participation in the MITdesignX accelerator
  • Do startups receive funding from the program, MIT or Le Rosey?
    No funding is provided by the program, although some in-kind services and workspace are provided. Introductions to VCs will be made wherever possible.
  • Can I participate in another accelerator or incubator program at the same time?
    No. We find that when startups participate in multiple programs they are unable to fulfill the needs of either. Participation in other mentorship groups is possible, but coordination amongst mentor is recommended.
  • Can I apply with more than one startup?
    No. individuals cannot apply with multiple teams. You must be dedicated to only one idea and team.
  • Can an existing company apply with an idea for a spin-off, or new product line?
    Yes. We have had good experience with intrapreneurs within a company forming new divisions or spin-offs.
  • Does MIT or Le Rosey claim any IP or take any equity?
    No equity stake, and no claim to IP is made by any of the organizers of the MITdesignX Le Rosey accelerator. All ideas and ownership remains with the co-founders.
  • Will MIT or Le Rosey sign an NDA with my startup?
    No. We do not take any claims to IP, but do not sign NDA's with startups.
  • Can a non-profit startup apply?
    Yes, non-profits and for-profits are both welcome. As long as you can scale and create impact, we want to hear from you.
  • Do I need to be incorporated as a business?
    No. Your business does not need to be incoporated. However a business entity might be needed for establishing pilots, and will be required for funding.
  • Do I have to have funding already?
    No prior funding is required. We work with startups from idea to revenue and early funding stages.
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