About the opportunity
Liftoff Founders Week is a five-day intensive programme designed to help founders, research leads, and operators start new AI safety organisations. Organised by Pivotal, LISA, and the UK AI Forum, and supported by Coefficient Giving, the programme takes place from 9 to 13 November 2026 in London. Participants spend the week shaping project ideas, testing thinking with experienced mentors, and pitching directly to grantmakers offering pre-seed grants ranging from $200k to $2m through Project Tailwind. You do not need a finished idea or a co-founder to apply; the programme connects individuals with complementary skills to form teams.
Funding and benefits
- £1,000 stipend provided to participants.
- Travel to London and hotel accommodation covered for the duration of the week.
- Opportunity to pitch directly to Coefficient Giving grantmakers in a 10-minute conversation with same-day written feedback.
- Co-founder matching with peers who want to build in the same AI safety areas.
- Access to office hours and feedback from experienced founders, researchers, and grantmakers.
- Up to 4 weeks of post-programme support from LISA and Pivotal to write a full proposal for promising teams.
Who can apply?
- Open to individuals with a track record in AI safety or a related field such as research, policy, or fieldbuilding.
- Targeted at founders who have built or run an organisation, programme, or product; research leads with a track record in AI safety or related areas; and operators with skills in operations, communications, or fieldbuilding.
- Applicants must have a clear reason for wanting to start something new rather than joining an existing lab or organisation.
- International applicants are welcome and eligible to participate.
Required documents
- Information about past experience
- Details on which applicant group best describes you
- Indication of which Project Tailwind directions you are most excited about
When to apply
- Applications close on 12 October.
- Application review and 20-minute invitation calls take place from 12 to 15 October.
- Decisions are sent by 19 October.
- Founders Week runs from 9 to 13 November 2026 at LISA in London.
How to apply
- Submit your application through the official Airtable form before the deadline on 12 October.
- If selected, complete a 20-minute interview call between 12 and 15 October.
- Upon acceptance, review pre-read materials and coordinate travel arrangements booked by the organisers.
Additional information
- The programme is supported by Coefficient Giving and aligns with Project Tailwind's call for ambitious AI safety projects.
- Attendance is expected for the entire five-day duration in person in London, though exceptions may be made for outstanding candidates.
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…
- Ideal for experienced researchers, operators, or entrepreneurs ready to launch an independent AI safety venture.
- A strong match for individuals who lack a co-founder or fully formed concept but want structured support to develop one.
- Well-suited for applicants seeking direct access to major grantmakers and pre-seed funding opportunities ranging from $200k to $2m.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires a full-time, five-day commitment in person in London from 9 to 13 November 2026.
- Participation relies on successful selection through a competitive application and interview process.
- Long-term outcomes depend on securing subsequent project funding and developing a viable proposal after the event.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This programme serves as a high-intensity launchpad for professionals aiming to transition into founding or leading new AI safety initiatives. It directly facilitates team formation, concept scoping, and funding acquisition for early-stage ventures.
Our take
Experienced operators, researchers, and entrepreneurs committed to AI safety should seriously consider applying, particularly those seeking initial validation and direct pathways to grant funding.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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