AI NATION is a nationwide support and accelerator platform for early-stage artificial intelligence startups in Germany. Its vision is to accelerate a Germany-wide AI revolution by turning excellent ideas into reality, and its mission is to identify the best AI startups and give them comprehensive support — combining the strengths of the Berlin and Munich ecosystems and expanding across the country. AI NATION offers funding, mentorship, networks, and resources that help AI founders scale their innovations from research to market-ready solutions.

The AI NATION GRANT is a six-month funding and support program for early-stage AI projects that haven’t yet secured external investment. It offers up to €36,000 in founder scholarships and up to an additional €16,000 per team for mission critical material resources to support their validation activities — equity-free — to help founders validate their ideas and develop a prototype, along with access to AI and entrepreneurship experts, mentorship, ecosystem connections, and collaborative workspace. The goal is to give teams the financial runway and guidance they need before company formation or early commercialization.

The AI NATION Accelerator is a six-month growth program for incorporated, high-potential AI startups in Germany that have moved beyond the initial incubation phase and are ready to scale toward market launch. It provides tailored support in areas like market strategy, product development, financing, mentorship from AI experts, access to investors and corporate partners, office space, and a network of resources — including up to €10,000 in non-dilutive funding — to help startups accelerate their journey to success.

Startups where AI is a core part of the solution, not an add-on. Founders should be committed and have a clear vision for their product and market.

Yes. We require at least one technically oriented founder or a clearly defined technical lead with knowledge in AI.

The application period runs from January 2 to February 1, 2026. After submission, our internal jury will review all applications. The most promising teams will be invited to an in-person or online “Pitch Day” on March 10, 2026 (Berlin or Munich).

The new batches will be announced by March 16, 2026. Our “Welcome Week” for all selected teams will take place in person from March 23–26, 2026, and the next batch officially starts on April 1, 2026.

For the AI NATION Grant program, you are not allowed to incorporate before the program starts.

For the AI NATION Accelerator program, you need to have a legally established company in Germany or be in the process of incorporating a German entity within 2 months after the application deadline. If you are already incorporated, include your legal structure and equity details. If not, describe your planned structure and location.

Yes - but only for our AI NATION Accelerator program, not the Grant program.
‍
At the end of the AI NATION Grant program (after six-months), the teams ideally have a prototype and first traction so that they can apply for further funding such as EXIST. The exception is EXIST Women; participation in that program does not prevent you from joining the AI NATION Grant program afterward.

Yes, we ask for your preferred location (Berlin or Munich) and will do our best to accommodate it. Support such as workshops and expert sessions mostly happen online or hybrid - your location preference only determines your main point of contact and the coworking space available to you if you choose to use it.

We accept startups from idea/problem validation through MVP for the AI NATION Grant program, and for the AI NATION Accelerator, we expect teams to show traction - measurable indicators that they are on a path toward or already have Product–Market Fit.

• 2,000 EUR/month per person (max. 3 people / team)
• Child supplement: 150 EUR/month per child

There is no scholarship support for the Accelerator program.

For the AI NATION Accelerator program, teams can obtain up to €10,000.
‍
AI NATION Grant teams can receive additional up to €16,000 (net) per team for mission critical material resources to support their validation activities. To apply for additional resources, you will need to hand in a detailed description of why the additional funding will move the needle for you.

No for the AI NATION Grant and AI NATION Accelerator, it is not a prerequisite but if someone from your team has experience, please mention it in your application.

For the AI NATION Grant, describe your current product status (idea, prototype, MVP, or live). If not launched yet, explain your plan and timeline.
‍
For the AI NATION Accelerator, it is strongly suggested.

Share your target customers, user numbers, paying users, and revenue (if any). Traction is the evidence that a startup is moving toward Product–Market Fit — typically shown by user growth, revenue, retention, or active usage. If you don’t have traction yet, show your plan for acquiring early users.

No. If you have patents, include the details. If you plan to file, briefly explain the innovation.

All public grants, angel or VC investments, and your upcoming fundraising plans. Transparency helps us understand your path.

Complete the application form, including:
‍
• founder and team details
• a short video
• product/demo video (if available)
• structured answers on problem, market, competition, traction, and funding

Selection is based on:

• strength and commitment of the team
• AI as the core technology and value generator
• traction or clear path toward product - market fit
• viability and growth potential

Your application is reviewed internally and treated as confidential. We do not claim any rights to your IP. You maintain full ownership of your technology, product, and data.

The program runs for 6 months and includes:

• mandatory workshops
• 1:1 expert sessions tailored to your company
• optional workshops
• mentorship
• networking and investor access
• workspace in our hubs

Mandatory workshops provide core content, and 1:1 session allow deeper work on your specific needs.

Participation is completely free. There is no equity taken, and no hidden fees at any stage.

We ask AI NATION Accelerator teams to define clear goals for product development, market validation, and fundraising during the first 90 days and for the remainder of the program.

The AI NATION Grant teams are each assigned a coach. The coaches helps review ideas, approaches, and results to assess product and market viability.

For AI NATION Accelerator teams, we would prefer at least the presence of one of the founders, as there are activities, conferences, and introductions happening, and we would like to ensure to have your team represented.

For AI NATION Grant teams, at least the core team must live in Germany. In very rare cases, we may allow a founder who is staying abroad at the time of the program.

Yes, remote participation in the program is possible, but attending in-person is strongly encouraged. Please note that some events are mandatory and must be attended in person (below).

Mandatory in-person attendance for AI NATION Accelerator program:

• Pitch day: March 10, 2026 (Berlin)
• Welcome Week: March 23 – 26, 2026 (Berlin)
• Mandatory in person Workshops (the dates will be shared during Welcome Week)
• Midterm Evaluation: July 22 – 25, 2026
• Offboarding Week: September 21 – 25, 2026 including Demo Day

Mandatory in-person attendance for AI NATION Grant program:

• Welcome Week: March 23 – 26, March 2026 (Berlin)
• Pitch day: March 10 – 12, 2026 (online & Berlin)
• Mandatory in person Workshops (the dates will be shared during Welcome Week)
• Midterm Evaluation: July 22 – 25, 2026
• Offboarding Week: September 21 – 25, 2026 including Demo Day

For AI NATION Grant teams, we also offer limited visa guidance, but obtaining a visa is always your responsibility. If you already hold an eligible visa when applying, please upload all your documents. If selected, you must have a valid eligible visa if required for your participation.

We expect full-time commitment from all founders, including students. Part-time participation (up to 50%) is generally discouraged but may be considered depending on your circumstances.

You will receive a confirmation email. Selected teams will be invited to our pitch days.

Selected participants will be notified by mid-March.

• Welcome Week: March 23 – 26, 2026 (in person, Berlin)
• Program Start: April 1, 2026

Yes. In Berlin, AI NATION Accelerator teams work from one shared office, while AI NATION Grant teams use a separate office space. In Munich, we also provide dedicated coworking facilities for participating teams of AI NATION Grant and AI NATION Accelerator.

You join our AI NATION alumni network and continue to receive support, investor introductions, and access to events. Also, you will receive opportunities to actively shape our network and contribute to the community.

AI NATION Accelerator program:
Yes, we understand and we want the teams to grow, so there is no impediment with the adding of members, however, please remember to always communicate it.

AI NATION Grant program:
Although it’s preferable for your team to be fully formed at the program’s start, you can add cofounders later. Note that AI NATON Grant teams can have a maximum of three cofounders.

You are welcome to reapply for future cohorts.

Join our online Q&A sessions.

January 15, 2026 General Q&A Session – 2pm CET

January 20, 2026 Accelerator Q&A Session – 3pm CET

January 20, 2026 Grant Q&A Session – 3pm CET

January 21, 2026 Female Only Q&A Session – 4pm CET

January 28, 2026 General Q&A Session – 5pm CET

More details in the event section of our website.