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Accelerator, Grant

Accelerator, Grant

OPEN

OPEN

GRANT · HOW TO WIN THIS

AI NATION Grant & Accelerator Programme

AI NATION Grant & Accelerator Programme

Up to €54,000 per team (non-dilutive); structured as founder scholarships plus operational funding plus partner credits over 6 months.

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Current application window: July 13 – August 9, 2026. Runs twice per year.

AMOUNT

Up to €54,000 per team (non-dilutive); structured as founder scholarships plus operational funding plus partner credits over 6 months.

AMOUNT

Up to €54,000 per team (non-dilutive); structured as founder scholarships plus operational funding plus partner credits over 6 months.

DEADLINE

Current application window: July 13 – August 9, 2026. Runs twice per year.

DEADLINE

Current application window: July 13 – August 9, 2026. Runs twice per year.

FUNDING TYPE

Accelerator, Grant

CAN YOU GET THIS?

You must be a pre-incorporation team of at least two co-founders based in Germany, with AI as the core of your solution and no existing external investment.

You must be a pre-incorporation team of at least two co-founders based in Germany, with AI as the core of your solution and no existing external investment.

Your team needs validated problem research, a basic prototype (even a mockup counts), AI expertise within the core team, and your project must address at least one UN SDG. Already incorporated companies (GmbH, UG, AG, etc.) and teams with signed VC or angel deals are explicitly disqualified.

Your team needs validated problem research, a basic prototype (even a mockup counts), AI expertise within the core team, and your project must address at least one UN SDG. Already incorporated companies (GmbH, UG, AG, etc.) and teams with signed VC or angel deals are explicitly disqualified.

YOUR REAL ODDS

The program runs two batches per year with a multi-stage selection process including an internal review, expert jury evaluation, and a live pitch day.

No acceptance rate is published, but the process is competitive enough to include shortlisting and a formal pitch before a jury panel. The program is nationwide across Germany with hubs in Berlin and Munich, so applicant volume is likely substantial.

WHAT IT TAKES

  1. Check eligibility and prepare application materials (validated problem, prototype evidence, team bios) — 3–7 days

  2. Submit application form before August 9, 2026 — 1–2 days

  3. Internal review and jury evaluation — shortlisted teams are notified — Weeks (pitch day September 1–11, 2026)

  4. Live pitch to jury panel, then contracting and onboarding if selected — Program starts October 1, 2026

WORTH KNOWING

Founder scholarships cover €2,000/month per founder for up to three founders over six months, plus a €150/month child supplement — meaning the bulk of the €54,000 can directly cover living costs, reducing pressure to fundraise while you validate.

Apply on the funder’s site →

MORE LIKE THIS

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Impact Shakers Accelerator

€250,000 upfront (SAFE or equity) plus potential follow-on up to €1.5M; one cohort of ~8 startups per year.

Pre-seed impact startups in Europe with at least one underrepresented founder can apply on a rolling basis for €250k investment plus up to €1.5M follow-on.

Housing Venture Lab cohort

$75,000 per cohort (grant for nonprofits, SAFE for for-profits)

Early-stage housing startups and nonprofits with a working model and bold ideas for affordability or construction innovation.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

This is 1 of 1,600+ open opportunities.

$50B+ in available capital across grants, VC funds, CDFIs, and accelerators. Filter by your industry, stage, and region, and see everything you qualify for.

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