The chosen cohort spans 13 distinct programs, ranging from Agtech and Fintech to New Materials and Packaging. With 55% of the startups based outside the United States—nearly a third hailing from South Korea—the batch highlights the platform’s global footprint. These companies will spend the next three months engaging in mentor-led workshops and private dealflow sessions, culminating in a three-day summit in Sunnyvale, California, scheduled for November 3–5.

Corporate partners are moving away from testing and toward integration. According to Plug and Play CEO Saeed Amidi, the pressure is no longer on proving technical viability but on the speed of implementation. Insurers are prioritizing AI agents for claims and policy administration, while retailers are focusing on automated commerce and in-store intelligence. Meanwhile, hardware-focused startups are tackling specialized needs in agriculture and mobility, while others push sustainability through advanced material science. These equity-free programs connect founders directly with corporate partners, providing a clear path to pilots and investment.