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MIT REAP Launches its Twelfth Global Cohort

On November 12, 2025, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT REAP) unveiled its twelfth cohort, an initiative set to unite innovation-driven leaders across six diverse regions. This latest group consists of teams hailing from Benin, Bulgaria, Kano-Jigawa in Nigeria, Northern Paraná in Brazil, the Yucatán in Mexico, and Zurich in Switzerland.

Understanding MIT REAP

MIT REAP is a comprehensive initiative focused on boosting local innovation ecosystems by linking regional leaders with the vast expertise of MIT. The program employs a practical, evidence-based approach to foster sustainable economic growth and innovation within communities. Each year, it selects up to eight regions to join its extensive two-year engagement, where a typical team comprises 8 to 12 driven, interdisciplinary local members guided by a committed regional team champion.

During their participation, these teams perform a rigorous assessment of innovation and entrepreneurship capacity, devise a tailored acceleration strategy emphasizing their unique regional advantages, and initiate new programs or policies to advance their entrepreneurial landscape. The culmination of their efforts positions the teams to significantly impact their local economies and societies.

Travis Hunter, the Director of MIT REAP, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the six new teams into Cohort 12. He noted the diverse backgrounds and industries represented, highlighting how each team's unique insights will enrich the collaborative framework essential for driving their ecosystems forward.

The MIT REAP Innovation Ecosystem Stakeholder Model

The program is structured around the MIT REAP Innovation Ecosystem Stakeholder Model, promoting collaboration among five essential stakeholder categories: universities, governments, corporate entities, risk capital providers, and entrepreneurs. Cohort members not only work with their regional peers but also engage with a vast alumni network that spans over thirteen years and includes participants from more than 100 regions.

Professor Scott Stern, the Co-Director of MIT REAP and a professor at MIT Sloan, articulated the timely relevance of supporting innovation-driven entrepreneurship, especially in today's climate of global economic and social challenges. He emphasized that Cohort 12 is poised to make a profound impact on their respective regions through systematic, entrepreneurial leadership.

Join the MIT REAP Movement

Since its inception in 2012, MIT REAP has assisted over 100 regions in crafting and implementing initiatives that contribute to economic growth, job creation, and societal advancement. For those interested in tackling the most pressing challenges in their communities and unlocking their economic potential, MIT encourages reaching out to Associate Director, Kavan O'Connor, for an exploratory call.

The application process for the upcoming MIT REAP Global Cohort 13 has also been announced and is currently open for new entries. Interested parties can learn more about the application process and access additional information through the official MIT REAP website.

As the world continues to grapple with economic hurdles, the importance of innovative entrepreneurship cannot be overstated. MIT REAP remains dedicated to facilitating regional transformations that harness the potential of local leaders and their communities, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.