OpenAI and Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) are partnering to turn breakthrough AI technology into globally impactful companies, leveraging CDL’s network of mentors, researchers, and investors across 17 sites.

The collaboration expands AI startup access across 17 countries, benefiting more than 700 CDL-affiliated startups.

In the 2026/27 CDL program, high-performing companies will gain direct access to OpenAI teams and the opportunity to influence future OpenAI product development through direct feedback.

This initiative reflects a broader trend of AI-driven innovation, with a majority of CDL applicants in 2025 already integrating AI and ML into their work.

Participating ventures will receive OpenAI credits and higher rate limits, with a select group getting hands-on technical support and previews of ongoing OpenAI research.

The partnership is designed to accelerate commercialization of AI breakthroughs by removing resource constraints for early-stage ventures and enabling rapid AI integration from the outset.

CDL founder and CEO Sonia Sennik notes the program will connect CDL founders with OpenAI teams and advanced AI capabilities across CDL’s global network.