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Funke
Next Frontier AI Concepts

Hello innovators! We need visionary concepts for Frontier AI Labs that push the algorithmic boundaries of today and strengthen Europe’s sovereignty – disruptive, scalable, evolving. We need bold ideas. We need you.

Frontier AI labs in the USA and China are setting the standards, while Europe remains dependent. Large models dominate, and disruptive approaches such as hybrid architectures or agent-based systems remain untapped. Without strategic autonomy in AI, Europe cannot catch up in the pursuit of innovation leadership.

The Next Frontier AI Initiative closes this gap. The SPRIND Funke Next Frontier AI Concepts is the first of several innovation competitions within the initiative and calls for the design of new Frontier AI labs. The goal is not the incremental development of existing models; instead, creative approaches are sought that redefine the frontier and coherently integrate research, prototyping, and deployment – with a clear go-to-market mindset and operational excellence.

Next Frontier AI

The challenge: to develop independent, visionary concepts within just a few months that will serve as the foundation for a European Frontier AI Lab in the future.

We are looking for disruptive model architectures, modalities, training paradigms, or multi-agent systems – an adaptive concept that addresses a clear research domain, demonstrates its uniqueness compared to existing solutions, and strengthens European sovereignty. We expect a theoretical foundation, a realistic roadmap for further development, and a sign of life demonstrating that the core innovation works, is scalable, and strategically significant.

We support: potential breakthrough innovations

The SPRIND Funke spans five months and is structured in two stages. A jury of internationally recognized experts assists SPRIND in evaluating the applications and selects up to six teams to participate in Stage 1.

Teams participating in this Funke will be pushed to their full potential. SPRIND provides individualized support at every stage of the Spark, including financial backing and direct access to a network of experts and potential collaborators. For Stage 1, teams can receive up to €200,000 (plus VAT). After each stage, the jury reviews interim results and evaluates which teams demonstrate the greatest breakthrough innovation potential. Up to five teams advance to Stage 2, with funding of up to €300,000 (plus VAT) per team.

Call for Submissions

The application period runs until January 11, 2026, 6:00 PM CET. All applications submitted by this deadline will be considered. Please read the call for submission and the participation agreement carefully before applying, and submit your application exclusively via the online application form.

Application

Apply by January 11, 2026, 6:00 PM CET using the online application form.

FAQ

The intellectual property rights created by the teams during the SPRIND Funke remain with the teams. Upon request, SPRIND receives a free and non-exclusive right to use the results found. Details can be found in the Participation agreement which will be published alongside the Call for Submissions.

No, the team size is flexible. What matters is that all required skills and expertise are covered. The work plan must demonstrate that the team is capable of completing the proposed tasks.

A team of SPRIND experts will conduct a preliminary selection. The final decision is based on the application and a pitch to an external jury composed of scientists, industry experts, and/or investors. The pitch will take place virtually on January 22, 2026.

The application deadline is January 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM CET. The Funke begins in early February 2026. The Funke lasts five months, divided into two stages of two and three months, respectively.

The startup budgets allocated to each team are intended for the duration of the SPRIND Funke. Teams should plan their resources accordingly to successfully complete their projects. However, there is also the possibility to use remaining funds beyond the Funke period.

All expenses that contribute to achieving the Funke’s objectives can be financed with SPRIND funds. The startup budget provided to each team is intended to cover costs for research and development, material procurement, and any travel or accommodation expenses related to the Funke. This includes, for example, personnel costs, equipment and material costs, or rental expenses.

Do you have any questions about the Challenge? Write to us at nfai@sprind.org.

Jano Costard, Head of Challenges
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