AI NATION is a nationwide support platform for early-stage artificial intelligence founder teams 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 founder teams and give them comprehensive support — combining the strengths of the Berlin and Munich ecosystems and expanding across the country. AI NATION supports founders with tailored programs at two distinct stages: before company formation, through the AI NATION GRANT, entailing funding, coaching, mentorship, and resources to develop their AI solution core and iterate their problem-solution fit towards a strong MVP ready for paid piloting and go-to-market; and after incorporation, through the AI NATION ACCELERATOR, offering a single non-dilutive growth grant and coaching, mentorship, and access to investors as well as corporate partners to grow their traction, revenue, market capture and team — and get the funding and support ready they need for their next steps and future journey.

AI NATION GRANT: A six-month funding and support program for early-stage AI founder teams that haven't yet secured external (private) investment. It offers up to €36,000 in founder scholarships and up to an additional €16,000 per team for mission-critical material resources — equity-free — to help founders develop their AI solution core and iterate their problem-solution fit towards a strong MVP that is ready for paid piloting and go-to-market, 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 to get product iteration, company formation or early commercialization right the first time.

AI NATION ACCELERATOR: A six-month growth program for incorporated, high-potential AI founder teams in Germany that have moved beyond initial incubation and are ready to grow — iterating on piloting, go-to-market approaches, and company building towards product-market fit. It provides tailored support in strategy, product development, finance, mentorship from AI and domain experts, access to investors and corporate partners, office space, and plenty of resources — including up to €10,000 in non-dilutive funding.

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

AI is a core enabling technology, meaning without AI the solution would not be technically or otherwise feasible in this way. AI should account for a major part of the product's value creation. In other words, the product's primary value proposition should be enabled by AI, rather than AI serving only as a supporting or secondary technology or feature. Projects in which AI is an additive or plays only a minor role in the value creation are out of scope. However, products that primarily use AI at the application layer (for example, by building on existing foundation models) are eligible, if AI remains a main driver of the value created and delivered to users. A practical test: Would removing the AI eliminate most of the product's value proposition? If yes, AI is likely at the core. If the product continues to deliver most of its value without AI, AI is probably only a supporting feature.

Yes. We require at least one technically oriented founder or a clearly defined technical lead with knowledge and skills in AI and the tech involved, to function as the CTO of the startup.

For eligibility and funding purposes, 'team' means co-founders — not employees or advisors. For the AI NATION GRANT, the scholarship is paid for up to three co-founders. Teams can have more than three co-founders, but funding covers a maximum of three. For the AI NATION ACCELERATOR, there is no limit on team size.

No, for both 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.

AI NATION GRANT: Not necessarily. Describe your current product status — validated problem with a quick first prototype (e.g. a no-code mockup, video, or screenshot is fine), full MVP, or live. If not launched yet, explain your plan and timeline.
‍AI NATION ACCELERATOR: An MVP or live product is strongly required.

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

We are a German state-funded program supporting Germany's startup ecosystem, and we ask that the core team be based in Germany and hold an eligible visa.

Possible only for our AI NATION ACCELERATOR program, not the AI NATION GRANT program. At the end of the AI NATION GRANT program (after six months), teams ideally have a first MVP and early traction so that they can apply for further funding such as EXIST or BSS. The exception is EXIST Women; participation in that program does not prevent you from joining the AI NATION GRANT program afterward. The ideal structure to take full advantage of our program and all German-funded programs is: AI NATION GRANT → EXIST / BSS → AI NATION ACCELERATOR.

Yes — AI NATION GRANT and AI NATION ACCELERATOR are designed to work in sequence. Many founders use the AI NATION GRANT to validate their idea and build their first MVP, then apply to the AI NATION ACCELERATOR once incorporated and ready to grow fast and capture the market. There's no automatic enrollment between the two; each requires a fresh application, but your progress and traction from the AI NATION GRANT strengthen your AI NATION ACCELERATOR application. AI+MUNICH and K.I.E.Z. alumni are very welcome to apply to AI NATION's programs, the same way any other founder would.

The application period runs from July 13 to August 9, 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 September 1-11, 2026 (Berlin or Munich — location to be confirmed). New batches will be announced by September 2026. Welcome Week takes place in person from October 6-8, 2026. Program start: October 1, 2026.

English is the official language of the program. All applications, pitches, and program communications take place in English.

Complete the application form, including:
•  Founder and team details
•  A short 60 second video (1 minute max, founders/co-founders only, filmed together in one location — introduce yourselves and your project; authenticity matters more than production quality, no background music)
•  Product/demo video (mandatory)
•  Structured answers on problem, market, competition, traction, and funding

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

Selection is based on:
•  Strength and commitment of the team
•  AI as the core technology and value generator
•  For AI NATION GRANT: validated/proven signals of problem-solution fit and learning cycles.
•  For AI NATION ACCELERATOR: traction or clear path toward product-market fit
•  Viability and growth potential
•  Alignment with at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) — in practice, this means the project addresses a genuine, significant social or environmental problem, not just a loose thematic connection to an SDG

Selection for both programs happens in two phases. The initial application review includes AI NATION's program team alongside external experts and members from our partner network — such as JUNI, Science & Startups, TUM Venture Labs, and corporate partners — who evaluate on team strength, AI relevance, traction, and growth potential. The most promising teams then move to Pitch Day, which also includes external jury members.

Due to the volume of applications received, we're not able to provide individualized feedback to every applicant, but general guidance on common rejection reasons is shared during info sessions and Q&A calls.

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.

All application data and pitch materials submitted to AI NATION are processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Data is stored securely and accessed only by authorised team members involved in the selection process. It is not shared with third parties without prior consent. Applicants have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of their data at any time.

€2,000/month per co-founder (max. 3 co-founders). €150/month per child supplement.
There is no scholarship support for the AI NATION ACCELERATOR program.

AI NATION GRANT: Software startups receive up to €4,000 in material funding. Startups with demonstrably high capital requirements (robotics, hardware, biotech) can receive up to €16,000 (net) upon submission of a detailed justification. This higher tier is for cases where significant physical infrastructure is genuinely unavoidable.

‍AI NATION ACCELERATOR: Teams can obtain up to €10,000 in non-dilutive funding.
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On top of all funding, AI NATION GRANT and AI NATION ACCELERATOR teams gain access to an extensive set of partner perks — including credits, licenses, and platform access from Microsoft, Google, AWS, Supabase, Pruna AI, HubSpot, Jupiter AI Factory, Hessen AI (HPC access), NVIDIA, Miro, MongoDB, GitHub, Pipedrive, and more.

No. AI NATION does not take equity and does not become a party to the startup cap table. The €10,000 (AI NATION ACCELERATOR) and up to €16,000 (AI NATION GRANT) amounts are non-dilutive grants under EU de minimis rules — they sit alongside any existing investment. Teams should check whether their own investor agreements require disclosure of new funding sources.

Yes. This funding falls under EU de minimis aid rules, capped at €300,000 per company over a rolling three-year period across all public aid received, not just from AI NATION. You'll need to declare any other de minimis aid your company received in the past three years when applying. This applies to the AI NATION ACCELERATOR, since de minimis aid is calculated at the level of an incorporated company. AI NATION GRANT funding, received before incorporation, is not affected by this cap.

Material-resource funding is reimbursed against invoices for eligible costs during the program. There's no lump-sum payout or carryover — if you don't use the full amount, the remainder isn't disbursed.

The program runs for 6 months and includes:
•  Mandatory coaching and peer sessions
•  Mandatory workshops
•  1:1 expert session 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.

AI NATION GRANT: Each team is assigned a coach. Coaches help support the team and product development and market viability.

‍AI NATION ACCELERATOR: Teams are also assigned a coach. 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.

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.

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

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 for your use.

When office space is granted, you're free to use it as much as you need — we strongly encourage teams to make the most of it. If we specifically request your presence at your assigned office for an occasion (for example, a visit from political or corporate partners, an investor or press event, or an official program showcase), on-site attendance is mandatory for that occasion.

Yes. AI NATION GRANT and AI NATION ACCELERATOR teams both get access to shared office space in Berlin and Munich.

Yes, remote participation is possible, but attending in-person is strongly encouraged — we offer 6-month office space access. Additionally, please note that some events are mandatory and must be attended in person.

‍Mandatory in-person attendance for AI NATION GRANT:
‍•  Pitch Day: September 1-11, 2026 (location to be confirmed)
•  Welcome Week: October 6-8,  2026
•  Mandatory in-person workshops and peer group sessions (dates shared during Welcome Week)
•  Offboarding Week: dates shared during Welcome Week

‍Mandatory in-person attendance for AI NATION ACCELERATOR:
‍•  Pitch Day: September 1-11, 2026 (location to be confirmed)
•  Welcome Week: October 6-8, 2026
•  Mandatory in-person workshops (dates shared during Welcome Week)
•  Offboarding Week including Demo Day: dates pending

For AI NATION GRANT teams, the core team must be based in Germany and hold an eligible visa. We offer limited visa guidance, but obtaining a visa is always your responsibility.

For AI NATION ACCELERATOR teams, we prefer at least one founder to be present in Germany, as there are activities, conferences, and introductions that benefit from in-person representation.

A completed degree is not required. Students are welcome to apply if they can commit to full-time participation in the program.

AI NATION GRANT: Although it's preferable for your team to be fully formed at the program's start, you can add co-founders later — but adding new members is reviewed case by case. Note that the scholarship is not paid retroactively for months before the co-founder joined, and the new co-founder must sign a Founders Agreement with a valid stake in company shares.

‍AI NATION ACCELERATOR: Yes, we understand teams grow. There is no impediment to adding members, but please always communicate it to the program team.

If a team voluntarily drops out, funding stops from that point on, but there is no payback obligation for funds already received, and the team does not retain alumni status. If a team is removed by AI NATION, whether already-paid funds need to be repaid is decided on a team-by-team basis depending on the circumstances; alumni status is not retained in either case. These decisions are made jointly by the Program Lead and the coaching team.

Yes, with consent obtained upfront. Participation in either program includes agreeing that AI NATION may feature your startup — name, logo, and story — in case studies, testimonials, and press materials. If you'd prefer not to be featured or want approval rights over specific materials, let your Program Lead know and this can be handled individually.

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

•  Program Start: October 1, 2026
•  Welcome Week: October 6-8,  2026 (in person, location to be determined)

Join our online Q&A sessions:
•  16 July 2026 — General Q&A Session, 4pm CET
•  21 July 2026 — GRANT Q&A Session, 4pm CET
•  28 July 2026 — ACCELERATOR Q&A Session, 4pm CET
•  5 August 2026 — General Q&A Session, 4pm CET
More details in the event section of our website.