Hacker Combinator (HC)

The YC for AI research papers. From breakthrough research to market in days, not years.

“MIT/Harvard research + rapid prototyping = real-world impact”

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Who We're For

AI Researchers

Your breakthrough research deserves impact beyond academia. We help you commercialize while maintaining your academic position. No entrepreneurial experience required.

YC-Caliber Hackers

Get exclusive access to cutting-edge AI research before anyone else. Partner with MIT/Harvard researchers to build companies that solve real problems with defensible tech moats.

How It Works

  1. Match: We pair researchers with publications and working code with top technical builders.
  2. Build: One-day sprint to create a working MVP that demonstrates commercial potential.
  3. Test: Quickly validate with real users to find product-market fit.
  4. Launch: Connect with MIT E14 Fund, The Engine, and our VC network.

Researchers maintain academic positions. Builders get equity in ventures with clear IP arrangements.

Our Edge

Speed

Paper to prototype in one day. From idea to market in weeks, not years.

Access

Exclusive pipeline to MIT/Harvard AI research before it's public knowledge.

Network

Direct connections to MIT/Harvard labs, E14 Fund, and The Engine.

Results

60+ events, 430+ hackers, 200+ AI prototypes built and tested.

Spring 2025 Cohort

Accepting

  • 5 researchers with published AI papers
  • 10 technical hackers with YC potential

Timeline

  • Apply by: March 15, 2025
  • Start: April 1, 2025
  • Demo Day: June 30, 2025
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Why We Do It

Our Mission: Hacker Combinator is an initiative of the SUNDAI FOUNDATION, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming AI research into solutions for critical global challenges.

We Believe

  • Breakthrough AI research should create measurable societal impact
  • Rapid prototyping accelerates the path from concept to solution
  • Academic-industry collaboration unlocks AI's highest potential

Our Network

  • Academia: Harvard, MIT research labs
  • Government: Massachusetts policymakers
  • Industry: Leading AI companies worldwide

By joining Hacker Combinator, you're part of an open-source community that's building AI that matters, not just AI that sells.