Deadline Date: August 09, 2026
The AI NATION GRANT invites early-stage AI founder teams in Germany to apply for equity-free funding of up to €54,000, along with mentorship and ecosystem support to develop their ideas and prepare for company incorporation.
The program focuses on supporting AI-driven solutions that address validated real-world problems, strengthen problem-solution fit, develop AI as the core enabling technology, build a strong minimum viable product (MVP), prepare teams for incorporation, promote innovation with a competitive AI approach, support market validation, and contribute to at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).
The AI NATION GRANT is designed for founder teams that have not yet incorporated a company or secured external private investment. Eligible teams must include at least two committed co-founders, with AI and engineering expertise within the core team, and be based in Germany with the required legal eligibility. Applicants should already have a validated problem, a solution concept supported by stakeholder feedback, a basic prototype, and a clear understanding of their target market and competition.
Selected teams receive funding for six months, including founder scholarships of €2,000 per month for up to three founders, a child supplement where applicable, operational funding for software or hardware-focused projects, and access to partner credits and development tools. The program also provides coaching, expert mentorship, AI resources, cloud credits, software licenses, and dedicated coworking spaces in Berlin or Munich.
The application process begins with an eligibility check, followed by submission of the online application. Shortlisted teams are invited to present their projects before an expert jury, after which successful applicants complete contracting and onboarding before joining the program.
AI NATION operates two funding batches each year and also provides a pathway for successful teams to continue through programs such as EXIST or BSS before progressing to the AI NATION ACCELERATOR after incorporation.
For more information, visit AI NATION.
