At Bits & Pretzels, AI Nation presented its expanded offerings for AI startups. The platform bundles nationwide funding, coaching, and infrastructure services – built on the model projects AI+Munich and the Artificial Intelligence Entrepreneurship Center (KIEZ) in Berlin. According to a press release, since 2022, over 200 startups have been supported, 1,400 jobs created, and €160 million in financing activated.
Core offerings at a glance
The AI Nation Grant supports teams prior to spin-offs with up to €54,000, expert coaching, and access to mentors. The goal is to validate ideas and develop initial prototypes. The application phase for the Munich-based batch, which starts in December, is currently underway. Applications are accepted until October 19th. Teams with at least two founders, a clearly defined problem, and AI as the core element of the solution are eligible. Funding includes €2,000 per month per person (maximum three people) plus up to €16,000 for materials and prototyping. The prerequisite: all founders must be legally permitted to work in Germany and must not yet have established a corporation.
In the AI Nation Accelerator, science-related startups benefit from intensive support for six months after their founding, including market strategy, product development, and financing. In addition to coaching and networking opportunities, up to €10,000 in funding is available.
Frizzi Engler-Hamm, CEO Munich Innovation Ecosystem and AI Nation Munich, emphasizes:
"AI Nation is looking for teams that take responsibility, use AI sustainably, and create real solutions with scientific depth. Together, we pool the strengths of the regions to ensure that innovations create added value – for the competitiveness of our economy and the prosperity of our society."
Also Laura Möller, CEO Unite and AI Nation Berlin, emphasizes:
"With AI NATION, we're taking the step from regional success stories to a national platform. AI startups need early support and access to resources—and that's exactly what we're now bundling for the whole of Germany."
AI Nation is supported by Munich Innovation Ecosystem and Science & Startups – the network of startup centers at Berlin universities and the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – as well as Start2Group, Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship, and TUM Venture Labs. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and EXIST are supporting AI Nation, with the State of Berlin providing co-financing.
Further information and the opportunity to apply are available on the AI Nation website.
