Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Peter Altmaier about the funding program for AI startups:
"With the EXIST program, we are promoting the transfer of research into application and thus putting the horsepower on the road – now also with additional funding for startups in the field of artificial intelligence. I am delighted that 'Science & Startups' is the first model project to be launched here in Berlin, and further model projects in other regions are to follow this example. The success of the startup founded with the help of EXIST and funded by the German Accelerator demonstrates the great potential of combining startup funding and AI. Celonis, which was valued at $11 billion last week."
The funding is intended not only to support the establishment of specific AI startups, but also to promote networking between universities and research institutions with existing AI companies and the economy as a whole in selected regions. Furthermore, the German Accelerator aims to improve Germany's international visibility in AI hotspots such as Silicon Valley, Boston, and Singapore.
First model project in Berlin
The first model project to receive funding is the program “Science & Startups” in Berlin. This is a network of startup services from the Free University of Berlin, the Humboldt University of Berlin, the Technical University of Berlin, and the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. A total of €6.85 million in funding is available for AI startup spin-offs. The model project is intended to cover the entire innovation chain, from identifying startup potential in research to targeted acceleration of the feasibility phase and an accelerator program at the new AI Campus Berlin. The establishment of an AI Academy for startups and stakeholders is also planned.
