About the opportunity
The AI Entrepreneurs Lab is an intensive programme for early-stage talent in artificial intelligence and robotics operated by 28DIGITAL under the EIT Community AI & Robotics as part of the EU ApplyAI Strategy. Up to 15 participants join a hands-on bootcamp designed to turn research and raw ideas into the foundations of a company. Running across three cities in five days and concluding with a Demo Day, the programme helps technical talent transition from the lab bench to the founder’s seat by testing concepts against real customers and investors.
Funding and benefits
- A place in a 15-strong cohort of applied-AI founders
- Hands-on mentoring covering founder readiness, customer discovery, commercial-model testing, pitch development, and investor readiness
- Direct feedback and introductions from mentors, startups, corporates, and investors
- A shot at up to five prizes of €10,000 awarded on merit at Demo Day
- Travel and accommodation support for the Top 15 participants may be provided, subject to programme rules and budget
Who can apply?
- Master's and PhD students and graduates with strong AI or robotics ideas
- Applicants can apply solo or as a team of up to two in a personal capacity
- Open to those with an early concept or a recently incorporated startup at the pre-launch stage
- Ideas must have AI or robotics genuinely central to the concept
- Applicants must be working in Core AI and Robotics fields such as AI agents and autonomous systems, edge AI and AI infrastructure, robotics intelligence, trustworthy and secure AI, foundation and generative models, or industrial AI deployment
- Must be ready to test ideas in public with customers, founders, and investors during the five-day bootcamp
Required documents
- Completed application form on the official submission platform
- CV for each team member
- A short, creative presentation of the idea
When to apply
- Applications open on 01/09/2026 at 09:00 CET
- Application deadline is 21/10/2026 at 17:00 CET
How to apply
- Prepare your CV, presentation of your idea, and application details
- Submit your application through the official submission platform before the deadline
Additional information
- The programme runs across three cities in five days and culminates in a Demo Day
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- You are a technical student, researcher, or recent graduate with a concrete concept in core AI or robotics and want to transition to entrepreneurship.
- You are eager to validate your technology with real market feedback from customers and investors over an intensive format.
What should you think carefully about?
- The commitment requires availability for an intensive five-day bootcamp running across three cities.
- Financial prize support is competitive, with up to five €10,000 prizes available rather than universal funding for all attendees.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This intensive bootcamp serves as a rapid launchpad for early-stage founders looking to test commercial viability, build peer networks, and secure initial venture funding or visibility for an applied AI or robotics project.
Our take
Master's and PhD talent with high-potential AI or robotics concepts should apply if they are prepared for a fast-paced, public validation experience across multiple European cities.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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