YOU ARE 
THE FUTURE
OF AI

Logo Startup Image

AI NATION – empowering science-based AI startups

We provide funding, expertise, and a large network to scale your AI innovation. Ready to take your startup to the next level?

Become part of AI NATION today!

GET IN TOUCH

What is AI NATION?

AI NATION is a dynamic support and accelerator program designed for early-stage startups at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence. Powered by AI+MUNICH and K.I.E.Z.,  we offer a wealth of  resources, expert mentorship, and an expansive network to transform visionary AI concepts into thriving businesses. By uniting two of Germany’s most vibrant startup ecosystems, Munich and Berlin, AI NATION provides nationwide support to help you scale and succeed, no matter where you are in the country.

AI NATION Powered by AI+MUNICh and K.I.E.Z.

Why AI NATION?

Simple Check Icon
Access to AI industry experts and mentors
Simple Check Icon
(Pre-)Seed funding opportunities and investor connections
Simple Check Icon
Personalized coaching and workshops
Simple Check Icon
Office and lab facilities
Simple Check Icon
Networking with leading companies and innovators

What We’ve Learned

Based on previous programs from AI+MUNICH and K.I.E.Z. , we’ve refined our approach to ensure the best possible support for your startup.

Cross-University Collaboration:

Through collaboration with entrepreneurial institutions affiliated with universities, we successfully fostered collaboration across academic institutions, encouraging the formation of increasingly interdisciplinary teams.

Community and Visibility:

A strong community and increased visibility are foundational for creating network effects and attracting talent and partnerships within the AI ecosystem.

Agile Scouting for AI Startups:

Scouting for AI startups requires both agility and expertise, along with the right conditions to identify and nurture the most promising ventures.

Tailored Support:

Startups need support aligned with their specific stage of development and the unique challenges they face. Our program offers guidance that evolves with your startup's needs.

What’s in it for you?

THE POOL
THE POOL brings together ambitious, interdisciplinary talents to form teams, build AI-based MVPs, and pitch to venture capitalists. As alumni of top entrepreneurship programs with real startup experience, participants collaborate to ideate, validate, and prototype AI-driven solutions that have a positive impact. With limited spots available, we select the best talent on a rolling basis – apply now for your chance to join this exclusive program.

Read more
Icon The Pool
AI NATION Prototype Funding
AI NATION Prototype Funding aims to accelerate the research-to-market journey for students and postgraduates aspiring to launch deep tech ventures. We empower emerging talent to develop cutting-edge technologies with the potential for positive, large-scale impact. By leveraging innovative business models, these technologies drive systemic transformations. Selected startup projects are guided through an intensive sprint process with support from deep-tech experts, preparing their ideas for successful collaboration with cross-sector partners.

Read more
Funding Icon
AI NATION Bridge-to-Market Program
The Bridge-to-Market program is designed for researchers and innovators who are considering transforming their AI research or ideas into a viable product or business. Whether you're exploring the potential of founding a company or testing the commercial viability of your AI-driven concept, this program offers comprehensive support. It focuses on validating both the product-market fit and the technical feasibility of AI models and data. Additionally, the program provides guidance on legal considerations, such as data protection, to help ensure your project is ready for the next steps.

Read more
Bridge To Market Icon
AI NATION Accelerator Program
We accelerate your growth to help you achieve success faster! Our exclusive accelerator program selects a limited number of high-potential AI startups, chosen by a jury of esteemed experts. The program provides a comprehensive range of services, divided into two core categories designed to meet your specific needs: Growth Hacks for immediate scaling strategies (e.g. Marketing, Sales, Product Development), and Growth Foundation for building long-term, sustainable success (e.g. office space, community, access to fairs and events).

Read more
Accelerator Icon

Success Stories

Portrait of a Startup-Founder
"K.I.E.Z. was the catalyst for our startup's success. It helped us secure investors for our next funding round, while also providing the space to build our team and expand our network."
Jelena Ivanovska, PhD
Co-founder and CSO of Exazyme
Portrait Sommerperger
"AI+MUNICH has kickstarted the prototyping of our AI-based simulation system, has provided a valuable network of startups that lead to exciting events bringing together investors, companies and startups."
Michael Sommersperger
SynthesEyes
Portrait of a Start Up Founder
"K.I.E.Z.'s unique network and support helped us connect with a well-established company over 175 years old, and their assistance in financing part of our technical analysis improved our AI product strategy."
Dr. Mina Kolagar
Co-founder and Innovation Manager of PANTOhealth
Portrait Vartian
"AI+MUNICH enabled us to build an MVP which in turn will enable us to run a pilot and a clinical study – both critical milestones to validate our business assumptions before founding a legal entity."
Rafael Vartian
OrthoCoPilot
Portrait Melo
"K.I.E.Z. has been extremely supportive of Lucid since the beginning. They provided us with access to an incredible co-working facility in Berlin, allocated numerous mentors ranging from product managers to AI deep learning specialists, and expanded Lucid's network by linking us with key shareholders such as politicians and pharmaceutical corporations. Definitely K.I.E.Z. is changing the AI startup scene in Germany!"
Uirá Souto Melo, PHD
Co-founder and CEO of Lucid Genomics
Portrait Mohisn
"AI+MUNICH was the starting push for our startup. It helped us financially so we can build prototypes and apply for more funding. It was also the place where we completed our team and expanded our network."
Yamen Mohisn
SmartAIs

Facts & Figures

188+
Founded Teams
750+
Jobs
67 Mio. €
Funding

AI NATION Founding Partners

Logo AI+MUNICH
Logo KIEZ

Project Partners

Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ
Logo KIEZ

Sponsored by

Logo AI+MUNICH
Logo KIEZ

Contact

Interested in our programs or in becoming our partner?
Get in touch with AI NATION and send us an email:
contact@ai-nation.de