Through the SLASSCOM Xcellerate Accelerator, 21 high-potential start-ups have been transformed into investment-ready ventures, gaining the mentorship, strategic insights and industry expertise needed to scale and compete globally.
According to the Startup Genome Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026, Sri Lanka recorded the largest improvement among the emerging start-up ecosystems, climbing over 65 positions in the global rankings within a year. This progress highlights the growing strength of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, driven by collaboration among industry bodies, investors, development partners and innovation-focused organisations.
The SLASSCOM Xcellerate Accelerator supports Sri Lanka’s emerging technology ecosystem by equipping start-ups with the knowledge, networks and capabilities to build scalable businesses, attract investment and compete globally.
The 2026 cohort features 21 selected tech start-ups across high-potential sectors, including AI and ML, edutech, healthtech, fintech, cleantech, agritech, enterprise tech, logistics, IoT, HR-tech, blockchain, cybersecurity and motion capture.
The programme focuses on strengthening investor readiness, business fundamentals, market readiness, value propositions and investment potential.
Designed as a hands-on accelerator, Xcellerate empowered the founders with the skills to refine business models, strengthen market positioning and prepare for investment through six specialised bootcamps covering ICP, start-up business models, investor expectations, pricing strategies, investor data rooms and fundraising readiness.
Supported by expert-led sessions, mentorship and strategic guidance, the participating start-ups enhanced their customer validation, value propositions, scalability and investor engagement capabilities, gaining the knowledge and confidence needed to build sustainable, investment-ready ventures.
SLASSCOM Chairperson Sampath Jayasundara said, “Through initiatives such as Xcellerate, we empower start-ups with the knowledge, mentorship and investor readiness needed to transform ideas into scalable ventures that drive the digital economy.”
SLASSCOM Vice Chair 1 Haridhu Abeygoonaratne added, “Xcellerate equips the founders with the tools, mentorship and global perspective needed to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s technology sector.”
The programme was supported by nVentures as the Acceleration Partner, in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
nVentures Managing Partner Chalinda Abeykoon said, “Fewer than one percent of start-ups ever raise venture capital. The difference is rarely the pitch. It’s whether the founders have built enough evidence for investors to develop conviction. Xcellerate helps the founders strengthen that evidence through customer validation, commercial fundamentals and investor readiness, giving them a stronger chance of raising capital when the time is right.”
