Walt Disney Company has officially opened applications for the 2025 Disney Accelerator program, marking the beginning of the program’s second decade as one of the most prestigious corporate accelerators in the world. Designed to propel venture-backed, growth-stage startups toward the future of entertainment and technology, the program pairs innovation-driven companies with the creative powerhouse and strategic expertise of Disney over the course of an intensive three-month journey.
Launched in 2014, the Disney Accelerator has become a launchpad for some of the most forward-thinking startups globally, offering unparalleled access to mentorship, investment, and collaboration opportunities within one of the world’s most iconic companies. The 2025 edition, set to begin in July and conclude with a high-profile Demo Day in November, will continue this legacy by welcoming a new cohort of trailblazing companies aiming to reshape the entertainment landscape.
Bonnie Rosen, General Manager of the Disney Accelerator, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to technological exploration and creative reinvention. “Technological curiosity and innovation have always been foundational hallmarks of Disney’s storytelling, allowing our creatives to make ever-changing magic that delights each generation of fans and guests,” Rosen said. “Today, that extends to all the horizons of media, sports, and experiences, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome a new cohort of companies who share our passion for always reimagining the future.”
The Accelerator offers much more than investment capital. Participating startups gain access to co-working spaces on Disney’s campus, tailored mentorship from top-tier Disney leaders and their teams, and the opportunity to collaborate across the company’s expansive portfolio of products and platforms. The selected companies will work closely with business units ranging from Disney Entertainment and ESPN to Walt Disney Imagineering and more, potentially resulting in long-term partnerships or joint ventures.
Disney is specifically calling for startups working on technologies that align with emerging frontiers in entertainment. The 2025 program is especially interested in companies innovating in extended reality (XR), immersive media, artificial intelligence and machine learning, sports technology, robotics and embodied AI, connected play, haptics, and experiences tailored for Generation Alpha.
Over the last decade, the program has hosted 65 startups, many of which have gone on to collaborate with Disney or secure substantial investment. Notable alumni include Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite; Kahoot, the global learning platform; Status Pro, an NFL-approved virtual reality sports training company; and Eleven Labs, a leader in AI-generated audio technology. These partnerships have not only expanded Disney’s technological reach but also demonstrated the Accelerator’s impact in shaping the entertainment industry’s digital evolution.
Companies interested in joining the 2025 Disney Accelerator must be venture-backed and in a growth stage, with a clear vision for how their technology or product could contribute to the future of entertainment, media, or themed experiences. Accepted cohorts typically include five to ten startups, ensuring a focused and collaborative environment conducive to experimentation and innovation.
The program remains highly competitive, with selected startups gaining access to one of the most influential and creatively rich environments in the world. Those interested in applying or learning more about the program’s structure, terms, and eligibility criteria can visit the official Disney Accelerator FAQ page at https://sites.disney.com/accelerator/faq/.
As Disney looks ahead to its next decade of digital transformation, the 2025 Accelerator cohort will play a key role in shaping what the future of storytelling, interactivity, and entertainment will look like for the next generation of fans.
