Disruptive Unicorn Lab
From Idea to Global Product in AI: Selection — Building — Growth
10-19 august / оnline
Application acceptance is over
about DU Lab
DU LAB
Disruptive Unicorn Lab Program
A growth environment for startups: nurturing projects from the idea stage to international market entry
Path to an International Accelerator
Develop and package your project—from idea and market analysis to strategy and a strong application
Find out from international mentors and expand your professional network
Experts from 10+ Countries
International Teams
Collaborate on ideas with participants from different countries and find out how to adapt projects for global markets
Cultural Exchange & Networking
Connect with people from different cultures and become part of an international community
Explore AI ideas with researchers and industry experts, discovering new opportunities for growth
Science & Business
Certificate of participation
Validate your participation with a  certificate and add international experience to your portfolio
10–19 August | Online
Program 2026
DU Lab
A series of online events featuring experts in startup development and the creation of products of the future. Work in international teams, receive guidance from leading mentors, validate your ideas, and develop your product from the initial concept to submitting an application to a global accelerator
Problem Discovery & Market Research
Identify real user needs, analyze the market, and validate ideas to build solutions that solve real-world problems
Test hypotheses, build your team, define key roles, and take the first steps toward creating a product with global potential
Team Formation & Idea Validation
Opening & Introduction to AI Startups
Kick off the program, connect with the international community, and explore opportunities for AI projects in global markets
August 10 | Day 1
August 11 | Day 2
August 12 | Day 3
Global Ecosystems & Project Growth
Explore international innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, and strategies for scaling AI products
Find out how startups expand globally, identify growth opportunities, and prepare for accelerator programs
Entering International Markets
Building an AI-Powered MVP
Turn your concept into a prototype by developing product logic, creating your first solution, and working with AI technologies
August 13 | Day 4
August 14 | Day 5
August 15 | Day 6
DU Lab Finale. International Project Pitch
Present your idea, exchange experiences, and showcase your project to an international audience
Refine your solution, polish your pitch, and receive expert feedback before the presentation
Project Preparation
Science, Technology & Business
Discover emerging approaches in AI, explore cutting-edge technologies, and uncover opportunities for tech-driven ventures
August 17 | Day 7
August 18 | Day 8
August 19 | Day 9
Apply now if you’re ready to create, experiment, and build the next generation of technology solutions!
APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE IS OVER
Experts
plan
Basic
(Individual Participation)
RUB 3,800
(~ $50 USD)
For your first step into the world of AI startups and international entrepreneurship
  • ✓ Online access to all keynote sessions delivered by international experts from leading universities, companies, and startups
  • ✓ Participation in interactive Q&A sessions
  • ✓ A practical guide to preparing international grant applications
  • ✓ Recordings of all workshops
  • ✓ Full package of presentations, templates, and practical materials
  • ✓ AI Toolkit for startup development and business idea validation
Mentoring
(up to 4 participants in group)
RUB 5,700
per participant
(~ $75 USD)
For participants who want to develop their ideas with expert guidance
  • ✓ Everything included in the Basic package
  • ✓ Individual mentoring sessions with international domain experts
  • ✓ Expert support in preparing applications for international grants and acceleration programmes
  • ✓ Personalized project development strategy
  • ✓ Individual mentoring on business model and product development
  • ✓ Preparation of an investment pitch deck
  • ✓ Project presentation to an international expert panel with detailed feedback from international experts and investors
Acceleration
(up to 4 participants in group)
RUB 15,200
per participant
(~ $200 USD)
A comprehensive support program for taking your project to the international stage
  • ✓ Everything included in the Mentoring package
  • ✓ Two-month startup acceleration programme (starting in September 2026)
  • ✓ Individual support from international mentors
  • ✓ Roadmap for international market expansion
  • ✓ Preparation for negotiations with investors and corporate partners
  • ✓ Support in preparing and submitting international grant applications
  • ✓ Access to the online programme Global Startup: Scaling Business Internationally
  • ✓ Ppportunity to present the project to international partners, experts, investors, and representatives of the global innovation ecosystem
Basic
Mentoring
Acceleration
Access to International Experts
Workshop Recordings
AI Toolkit for Startup Development
Materials, Templates & Resources
Certificate of participation
Individual Mentoring
Personalized Project Development
International Grant Application Support
Pitch to an International Expert Panel
Two-Month Startup Acceleration Programme
International Market Expansion Roadmap
Investor & Corporate Partnership Preparation
DU Lab International Community
Priority Access
APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE IS OVER
product owner
Developers
startup founder
researcher
AI enthusiast
Producers
Who can apply

Idea

Prototype

MVP

Prototype

What will you get from DU Lab?

Investments

Pre-Pitch

Team

Global community

organizer
ИNNOVAK
Innovak LLC is a subsidiary of ITMO University that specializes in research, development, and manufacturing in the fields of natural and technical sciences.
How Was Disruptive Unicorn Lab in 2025?
DU LAB 2025
statistics for du lab 2025
  • 1100
    applications
  • 120
    main track participants
  • 80
    participants of the GameDev track
  • 71
    expert & speaker
  • 37
    countries
  • 12
    days
Speakers of DU Lab 2025
2026
FTMI ITMO
Contact us
Documents
dulab@itmo.ru
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