The Cardano Foundation has officially launched the Fall 2026 cohort of its Cardano Accelerator Program (CAP). The program began with an in-person event in Dublin in early November 2026, marking the start of a 10-week intensive cycle for the selected participants.

Eight startups were chosen to join the program, which focuses on the theme of verifying origins and data on the Cardano blockchain. The ventures are divided into two distinct tracks: Core and Spotlight, designed to accommodate different stages of project development.

Each participating venture receives a contribution of CHF 10 000. Beyond financial support, the program provides mentorship and resources through the Cardano Foundation’s Venture Hub, emphasizing the development of commercially viable projects.

The current cohort places a significant focus on regulatory compliance, specifically addressing requirements such as digital product passports mandated by the European Union. The program is scheduled to conclude with a Demo Day in early February 2027.

The selection process for this cohort took place throughout 2026, with applications opening in May and closing in June. The Cardano Foundation announced the final list of selected ventures in September, prior to the November launch in Dublin.