Next Frontier AI is Europe’s most ambitious initiative to build the next generation of AI. The challenge is underway: ten teams, selected from applicants across more than 30 countries, are building through 24 months with €125 million in non-dilutive funding.
This is not just a funding programme. It is a long-term initiative to give Europe real technological independence – and the challenge is where that begins.
Our advocates
The challenge kickstarts the 10 frontier labs. Advocates make them work.
Ten teams are building Europe's next Frontier AI Labs
Ten teams were selected in July 2026 from applications across more than 30 countries. Stage 1 is now underway.
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
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.
- Non-dilutive challenge funding
- €125M
- Perspective in follow-on investment*
- €1B
- Frontier AI, built in Europe
- 3 Labs
* SPRIND assists the teams to acquire € 1B in private follow-on funding each. The success depends on external investors, so SPRIND cannot assume liability for non-achievement.
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.
