ACIE Validation Sprint

Turn Your Tech Idea into a Market-Validated Startup in 12 Weeks

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About the Program

The ACIE Validation Sprint is a sector-agnostic, intensive, practice-oriented program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs validate their business ideas and transform them into viable startup concepts.

The program focuses on technology-driven solutions across different sectors and emphasizes customer discovery, prototyping, and business model development. Participants will work closely with mentors and industry experts to test assumptions, refine their ideas, and prepare for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

Through structured workshops and personalized coaching, the program aims to reduce the risk of failure by ensuring that ideas are grounded in real market needs.

Duration

12 Weeks

Format

Hybrid

Focus

Technology-driven solutions

Cohort Size

10 Startups

Program Structure

The ACIE Validation Sprint is structured around five progressive phases designed to guide participants from idea to validated business concept.

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Phase 1
Problem Identification

Participants explore real-world challenges and define the problem they aim to solve.

Phase 3
Idea Prototyping

Participants translate their solutions into tangible prototypes or minimum viable products (MVPs).

Phase 5
Pitching & Demo Day

Participants prepare and present their validated ideas to a panel of mentors, experts, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Phase 2
Solution Development

Teams develop and refine their proposed solutions based on insights gathered from users.

Phase 4
Business Model Discovery

Teams build and validate their business models by defining target customers, revenue streams, cost structures, and key partnerships.

Is this Program for you?

This program is designed for:

  • Idea-stage entrepreneurs who have not yet launched a product
  • Individuals or teams interested in building digital or technology-enabled solutions
  • Applicants willing to engage in customer interviews and validation activities
  • Founders committed to attending sessions and completing program milestones
  • A multidisciplinary and complementary team
  • A minimum of 2 team members, one residing in Lebanon

What We Offer

$1500 grant to prototype your idea

One-on-one coaching with startup advisors

Mentorship from industry professionals

Access to ACIE facilities and resources

Networking with the innovation ecosystem

Interactive workshops and training sessions

Key Dates & Duration

Outreach Phase
February 6, 2026
Apply to the Validation Sprint

Submit your application to join the Validation Sprint.

Outreach Phase
March 13–15, 2026
3-Day Ideathon

Work intensively on real problems and shape your initial solution.

Outreach Phase
March 29, 2026
Applications Close

Final deadline to apply to the program.

Selection Phase
April 7, 2026
Pitch Interviews

Shortlisted teams pitch their ideas to the selection committee.

Program Phase
April 18, 2026
Program Kick-Off

Selected teams officially start the Validation Sprint.

Program Phase
April 18, 2025
Problem Identification

Align on the problem, program expectations, and sprint roadmap.

Program Phase
May 02, 2026
Solution Development

Explore, compare, and select the most promising solution approach.

Program Phase
May 23, 2025
Prototyping

Build and iterate on a functional or conceptual prototype.

Program Phase
June 6, 2025
Business Model Canvas

Structure your business model and value proposition.

Program Phase
June 20, 2025
Pitching

Refine your pitch and storytelling ahead of Demo Day.

Final Event
July 1, 2025
Demo Day

Present your validated solution to experts, partners, and stakeholders.

What You’ll Gain

Idea Validation

Clear validation of your idea — or strong evidence to pivot early.

User Feedback

Direct insights and feedback from real potential users and stakeholders.

Practical Tools

Hands-on validation tools and frameworks you can reuse beyond the program.

Decision Confidence

Confidence to make your next strategic move with evidence, not assumptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This program is designed for early-stage ideas and does not require a registered business.

You may apply as a team of a minimum of two members.

Not necessarily. Teams may include both technical and non-technical members, but ideas should be technology-driven.

Yes the program is completly free.

Yes. Participants are expected to attend all sessions and actively engage in program activities.

The program focuses on validating ideas and building early-stage concepts. Selected teams may be eligible to continue into ACIE’s incubation or future programs.

Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 8 to 10 hours per week to workshops, coaching, and assignments.

Ready to Apply?

Ready to turn your idea into a validated startup concept?
Join the ACIE Validation Sprint and take the first step toward building a technology-driven solution grounded in real market needs.

Apply now