More than 700 startups across 17 countries will gain increased access to OpenAI’s technology through a new partnership with Creative Destruction Lab. In 2025, 61% of companies applying to CDL already integrated artificial intelligence or machine learning into their work, signaling a pre-existing surge in AI-driven innovation, OpenAI says.
The collaboration will provide these ventures with OpenAI credits and higher rate limits, while a select group will receive hands-on technical support and research previews. “At OpenAI we’re very excited about this new partnership,” said George Osborne, Head of OpenAI for Countries, “CDL is at the cutting edge of helping start-up businesses make the most of AI.”
CDL’s 2026/27 Program to Integrate OpenAI’s AI Technology
The upcoming CDL program will offer a select group of high-performing companies direct access to OpenAI teams, providing hands-on technical support and previews of ongoing research. This level of collaboration extends beyond standard API access, allowing ventures to influence OpenAI’s future product development through direct feedback.
This reciprocal relationship aims to accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable AI products, a key focus of the partnership. More than 700 companies participating in the 2026/27 CDL program will receive OpenAI credits alongside increased rate limits, substantially boosting their capacity to integrate and scale AI solutions.
The program’s structure acknowledges this momentum and seeks to amplify it by removing resource constraints for early-stage ventures. “Partnering with OpenAI will give our global community of CDL ventures access to advanced AI capabilities and expertise. It also provides CDL founders a direct connection to the teams building these technologies. This will provide the opportunity for ventures in this year’s CDL program to incorporate advanced AI into their inventions at the earliest stages,” said Sonia Sennik, CEO of Creative Destruction Lab.
The collaboration between CDL and OpenAI builds on a shared commitment to supporting ambitious founders and translating breakthrough technologies into companies with global impact by using CDL’s network of mentors, researchers, and investors, according to the company. The program extends to 17 global sites, indicating a broad intention to foster AI innovation internationally.
Partnering with OpenAI will give our global community of CDL ventures access to cutting edge AI capabilities and expertise. It also provides CDL founders a direct connection to the teams building these technologies.
Sonia Sennik, CEO, Creative Destruction Lab
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