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THE POOL

Munich, Berlin, Heilbronn
THE POOL BERLIN: 23rd to 27th June 2025
THE POOL MUNICH: Summer 2025

THE POOL is an innovative hackathon format designed to bring together ambitious, interdisciplinary talents to form teams, build AI-based MVPs, and pitch to venture capitalists. It's a unique opportunity for individuals with diverse backgrounds to bring their own challenges and collaborate on cutting-edge AI projects.

THE POOL

Munich, Berlin, Heilbronn
THE POOL Heilbronn: 7th to 11th April 2025
THE POOL BERLIN: 23rd to 27th June 2025
THE POOL MUNICH: Summer 2025
Apply for THE POOL

THE POOL is an innovative hackathon format designed to bring together ambitious, interdisciplinary talents to form teams, build AI-based MVPs, and pitch to venture capitalists. It's a unique opportunity for individuals with diverse backgrounds to bring their own challenges and collaborate on cutting-edge AI projects.

Target Audience

Alumni of top entrepreneurship programs with real startup experience as well as professionals with relevant experience

Core Objectives

Ideate, validate, and prototype AI-driven solutions with positive impact. No Workshops! You can focus on YOUR AI Startup Idea!

Program Details

Duration:
3 - 7 Days
Selection Process:
Application and selection process
Cohort Size:
50 participants per batch
Munich, Berlin, Heilbronn

Benefits, Support & Ressources

Collaborate with diverse, high-caliber talents

Join a vibrant community of innovators, including alumni of top entrepreneurship programs and seasoned professionals. Work alongside interdisciplinary talents who bring unique perspectives, skills, and experiences to the table, creating the perfect environment for groundbreaking AI solutions.

Develop AI-based Minimum Viable Products (MVP’s) on your own ideas

Bring your ideas to life by building AI-driven MVPs from scratch. Whether you have a clear vision or an unresolved challenge, this is your chance to turn concepts into impactful solutions with the support of your team.

Access to state-of-the-art AI resources and mentorship

Leverage cutting-edge AI tools, frameworks, and guidance from top-tier mentors in the field. With unparalleled access to resources, you'll be equipped to overcome technical challenges and refine your approach to problem-solving.

Gain exposure and potential funding opportunities

Pitch your innovative solutions to a panel of venture capitalists and industry leaders. This could be your chance to secure funding and take your project beyond the hackathon stage. Your idea might just be the next big thing!

Join THE POOL and be at the forefront of AI Innovation!

Success Stories

Winning Team of Summer 2024:

“We’re building a platform to align stakeholders and simplify financial processes when navigating the transition to regenerative practices—to build the future of agriculture: resilient, good for the planet and farmer's livelihoods.”

Winning Team of Winter 2024:

“Schneider AI offers secure AI solutions that enable companies to use AI safely and effectively in their own offices. We offer both AI hardware and AI software solutions tailored to the needs of SMEs, particularly in the fields of law and HR consulting.”

Second Winner of 2023:

“With the cleverwatt Energy Co-Pilot, SMEs can reduce their energy costs easily and sustainably. Intelligent algorithms use existing energy data to derive effective optimisation measures. Existing data silos are eliminated and entrepreneurs are empowered to make informed and economical decisions for a sustainable energy future. The cleverwatt Energy Co-Pilot is the long-term energy companion for SMEs that accompanies companies through to the realisation of energy-saving measures.”

Testimonials

"Participatingin THE POOL was a pivotal experience to kickstart our idea of Wattsaver."
Jakob Ackermann
"It's the unstructured part that makes THE POOL different. We are missingprograms like this. Because I had the idea, the contacts, but i didn't have theteam. And there is no program to find a team. Or there are few but toostructured.​"
Jose Luis Araya
"What is different about THE POOL? You have access to people who havee xperience from working for a very long time, also from different backgrounds: consulting, healthcare or something completely different. You have different expertise and different experiences. From this, you have a very interesting dynamic. Also, maybe sometimes (at university/college) you'll have a goal to achieve, like exams, but THE POOL is really about bringing people together, which made us very motivated and try to work the best result from the week.​"
Andreas Binder

Got Questions?

Is THE POOL a full-time program?

Yes. We go all in and expect you to do the same. We start at 09:00 and finish at 17:00.

I may not guarantee to participate on all days. Is THE POOL still for me?

It depends on your potential team and co-founders. If its only 4 days, they may be fine with it! Feel free to apply!

How do you match me with my ideal co-founder?

It’s simple—we don’t! Finding your ideal co-founder isn’t something that happens instantly. Instead, it’s a journey. By working closely with others, engaging in collaboration, and getting to know different individuals, you will discover the right match. THE POOL brings together talented participants from different fields for you to interact with and, at the finals, you’ll have the chance to connect with more than 100 others while exploring pitch opportunities. It’s all about learning and growing through meaningful connections!

I do not have a startup idea or team yet. Can I join?

Yes! THE POOL is made exactly for you. You will find like-minded co-founders to brainstorm, build and validate ideas at THE POOL.

Do you take any shares?

No, we do not take any shares or equity from your idea.

Join THE POOL and be at the forefront of AI Innovation!

Become a partner or THE POOL

Interested in our programs or in becoming our partner?
Get in touch with AI NATION and send us an email:
contact@ai-nation.de
Or fill out the Forms below
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Ecosystem Partners Munich

Ecosystem Partners Berlin

Ecosystem Partners Heilbronn