Applications are NOW OPEN!
Sign up to be considered for our exclusive 2025 pilot cohort.
Deadline: May 12, 2025
About the EIT AI Founders Club
Are you an AI visionary ready to scale your startup and shape the future of technology?
The EIT AI Founders Club 2025 offers you the opportunity to join an exclusive community of innovators, supported by the EIT AI Community. This pilot initiative provides selected startups with mentorship, resources, and peer support to accelerate growth in next-generation AI technologies.
Program Overview
The EIT AI Founders Club is a selective pilot program designed to empower four early-stage AI startups specializing in deep tech innovations. Spanning a minimum of two months, participants will benefit from tailored mentorship, founder-to-founder collaboration, and access to the extensive EIT ecosystem. As a pilot, this program will evolve with your input, giving you the chance to shape its future direction from 2026 to 2028 with the intention to building a lasting founder support community.
Rooted in the EIT’s mission to fuel digital innovation across Europe, the AI Founders Club empowers high-potential, deep tech AI startups with resources, expertise, and a tight-knit founder community. Tailored for founders, it emphasizes peer-to-peer learning and strategic growth.
Application deadline: May 12, 2025
- Accelerate Growth: Support deep tech AI startups in scaling their solutions.
- Foster Collaboration: Create a vibrant community for knowledge-sharing among AI founders.
- Strengthen Innovation: Position Europe as a global leader in AI advancements.
- Increase Innovation Density: Establish regional AI innovation hubs.
What We Offer
Selected startups will receive:
- Training and Mentorships: Equity-free training, mentorship, and strategic support tailored to AI startups.
- Founder-to-Founder Support: Exclusive peer-learning opportunities with fellow AI founders.
- Open Innovation Workshop: Explore collaborative strategies for growth and innovation.
- EIT Ecosystem Connections: Links to funding, networking, and EU programs based on your needs.
- Financial Support: Up to €1500 per startup to cover travel and accommodation costs for program events.
- Visibility & Community: Recognition within the EU AI ecosystem and ongoing support as part of a prestigious founder pool.
| Duration | Format | Cost |
| Minimum of 2 months | Online training with potential in-person events | Free for selected startups |
Benefits of Joining
- Founder-to-Founder Support: Collaborate with peers to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and co-create solutions.
- Business Boost: Access training and support to accelerate your AI technology’s development and commercialization.
- Investment Opportunities: Pitch to investors and strategic partners.
- Personalized Mentorship: Receive expert guidance to refine your innovation and strategy.
- Visibility and Recognition: Gain prominence within the EU AI ecosystem.
- Networking: Connect with top talent, fellow AI founders, and industry leaders.
- Cost Savings: Enjoy services valued at over EUR 8,000 for free, preserving resources for growth.
Who Should Apply
We’re seeking European early-stage AI startups that:
- Have disruptive, high-risk, high-reward innovations in areas like:
- Data-Centric AI
- Neurosymbolic AI
- Generative AI
- Prompt Engineering
- Multiagent Systems
- AI TRiSM (Trust, Risk, Security Management)
- Artificial General Intelligence
- Are ready with a market-ready prototype or MVP.
- Are targeting pre-seed or seed fundraising and need team scaling.
- Preference: Applications from RIS Countries.
How to Apply
- Submit Your Application: Highlight your AI technology’s disruptive potential by May 12, 2025.
- Initial Screening: Evaluated by an independent expert panel.
- Review Gate: Experts assign scores; Due Diligence Interviews may follow.
- Selection: Top 4 startups announced by May 15, 2025.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Degree of Innovation: How transformative and innovative is your technology?
- Market Potential: Size and growth of your target market.
- Scalability: Ability to grow rapidly and efficiently.
- Risk Level: Balanced risk-taking with mitigation strategies.
- Visionary Team: Expertise and entrepreneurial drive.
- Feasibility: Practicality of your disruptive vision.
- High Reward Potential: Expected returns on investment.
- Strategic Fit: Alignment with EU goals and EIT ecosystem.
FAQ
How much does the program cost?
It’s completely free for selected startups.
Is physical attendance required?
Training is online, but some events may require in-person participation (travel/accommodation costs covered up to €1500 per startup).
What’s the selection process?
An independent panel reviews applications, scores them based on criteria, and selects the top 4 after a consensus meeting and potential interviews.
What are the expected outcomes?
Tailored mentorship, funding opportunities, enhanced visibility, and growth potential within the EU AI ecosystem.
How can I learn more?
Email us at ai@eitcommunity.eu
Contact Us
Have questions? Reach out:
Email: ai@eitcommunity.eu
