Next Frontier AI is a pan-European initiative led by the German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation. SPRIND is calling on builders, researchers, and the unconventional minds who see possibility where others see limits. 

The goal is to build at least three European Frontier AI Labs that explore new model classes, modalities, agentic systems, and more efficient training regimes, develop their own models and run real products at scale. This is bigger than a single programme – it’s a long-term initiative that combines funding, company building, and support for large follow-on rounds.

Beginning in July 2026, SPRIND will fund ten teams and provide them with 24 months of compute, infrastructure, MLOps support, and hands-on company-building. In autumn 2028, up to three winners will move forward, each positioned to raise a €1 billion scale-up round and to become one of Europe’s next defining technology companies. The deadline for applications is in May 2026.

SPRIND is also opening an early-bird track, two SPRIND Funken, ahead of the main Challenge. Early-bird applications are due on 15 January and 15 February 2026.