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Frontier AI will decide how we live, work, and govern ourselves. If Europe doesn’t shape this frontier, others will. That’s why we’re creating the environment to build it here, securing genuine technological independence shaped by our core values. This is your chance to turn Europe into an AI powerhouse. 

Learn more about the initiative

Are you ready to build Europe’s next Frontier AI Lab?

Create a Frontier AI Lab that pioneers genuine breakthroughs and defines the next frontier. €125M in non-dilutive funding backs up to ten teams competing through fully funded stages worth up to €27M each. Teams advance based on progress. After two years, up to three remain – each positioned to raise up to €1B to shift Europe’s AI trajectory.
The support is secured. The funding is real. This is your moment to step forward. Apply until May 31st 2026. Pitch in June 2026. Get funded in July 2026 for Stage 1.

Stage 1

10 Teams
7 months
€3M per team

Stage 2

6 Teams
8 months
€8M per team

Stage 3

3 Teams
9 months
€15.5M per team

Learn more about the challenge

What do we mean by Frontier AI?

It’s what comes after today’s technologies. Building entirely new foundation models that change the game completely, not just tweaking what’s out there already. It’s uncharted territory, yours to claim and shape.

What is a Frontier AI Lab?

Usually, you have to choose between fundamental research and building a successful product. Here, you don’t. Frontier AI Labs are radical spaces that start with full research freedom, then evolve strategically into a commercially sustainable business, on terms that work for you.

What are our core values?

They are based on technology developed with cultural responsibility, where freedom and accountability aren’t in tension, but in balance. These values aren’t a fixed rulebook – they’re co-created by those who join the initiative. It’s about developing AI with purpose, not just capability.

Meet us

We’re hitting the road this spring – not to present, but to connect, activate, and build together.  Find out where we’ll be.

Munich, 04.03.2026 Paris, 19.03.2026
Check out all events
Join the waitlist
Non-dilutive challenge funding
€125M
Perspective in follow-on investment
€1B
Frontier AI, built in Europe
3 Labs

Who we are

Next Frontier AI is run by SPRIND, Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation. We coordinate a European coalition with a unique mandate: deploy public money to pursue breakthroughs others can’t risk.

Learn more about who’s behind the initiative
What’s new
Interview

“This initiative exists to bring Europe back to the table” – Dr. Johannes Otterbach, Senior Investment Advisor AI & Quantum

Read full Article
Event

Roadshow MUNICH, March 4, 2026

See Event Details
Podcast

“Where is the next AI frontier?”

Mirko Holzer and
 Dr. Johannes
 Otterbach

Listen to Talking Nerds (DE) on SPRIND.org
News

Next Frontier AI Launches at 
EurIPS in Copenhagen

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Event

Roadshow PARIS, March 19, 2026

See Event Details