AI+MUNICH Prototype Funding
AI+MUNICH is initiated by
This page and the documents linked to it always contain the latest information on how to apply for AI+MUNICH. Deviating information on other pages is not binding.
AI+MUNICH supports startups in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) to promote innovation density based on this future-oriented technology in Germany. Our mission is to make prototyping easy and affordable for teams that have not yet secured financial backing.
Why AI+MUNICH
- Up to 25k € of funding
- Freedom in the use of the funding
- Little effort in applying for the funding
- Fast approval process
- AI Scholarship to cover your living costs
- Not having to give up any equity in the startup
How we support you
AI+MUNICH offers three funding options with a total volume of up to €25,000.
- AI Scholarship to cover your living expenses
- Prototyping Grant to speed up the development and testing of your prototype
- Expert Pool & Funding to support you with the right expertise.
How we select teams
AI+MUNICH supports early-phase teams in Germany. Further, it is a plus if you are a diverse team. Also, if you have already participated in AI-related competitions and won prizes.
You are qualified if…
- you have clearly defined an (initial) customer
- you have defined the problem you want to solve and validated it with potential customers
- you have developed a suitable solution to this problem and also discussed it with potential customers
- your solution (your value proposition) requires AI
- you have defined the structure, size and competition of the market you are on
- AI expertise is present in the core team
- there are at least two of you as a founding team
- Your project addresses at least one of the SDGs
You are overqualified if…
- You are already incorporated as a capital based company or as a limited partnership with a capital based company as one of the partners
- you are already funded by a venture capitalist or business angel
- you have more than 10 full-time employees
Our evaluation criteria:
We evaluate our teams based on four main criteria:
1. Team-Fit: How well is your team set up?
- Do you have the right competences for your business idea in the team? (Particularly important: Is AI expertise present in the core team?)
- Do you have a big enough time commitment?
- Which experts support you from outside?
ℹ️ Some tips for Team-Fit:
- Provide a link to your LinkedIn profiles.
- Use your past (work) experience to prove your competencies and avoid using misleading information.
2. AI-Fit: What role does AI play in your business idea?
- Do you need AI to bring your value proposition to life?
- What capability of AI do you use to solve problems?
- Is your AI approach proprietary and can you defend it against competitors?
ℹ️ Some tips for AI-Fit:
- Provide some info how you’re able to access required training data for your business idea.
- Provide information about the tool stack you’re using.
3. Business Model-Fit: How mature is your business model?
- Have you identified a relevant problem that is worth solving?
- Do you have a clear vision of your problem solution and have you successfully validated it with customers?
- Do you have strong arguments that customers prefer your solution over competitors (e.g. in the form of LOIs?)
ℹ️ Some tips for BM-Fit:
- Be sure to add sufficient evidence to validate your problem solution fit.
- Make clear what bottlenecks limit your business idea (e.g. network-effects) and how you will deal with them?
4. SDG-Fit: Does your idea pay into the Sustainable Development Goals?
- Are you paying towards an SDG? If so, which one?
- How exactly do you pay into it?
ℹ️ Some tips for SDG-Fit:
- Be sure to also address targets inside relevant SDGs (don't just scratch the surface).
Tips for your Read Deck
On this Read-Deck Information Guide you can find further information an how to best prepare your Read Deck for the application.
How to get funded
Step 1: Application
As soon as the application is open: Please click here to apply!
The application phase for Batch #11 will be open beginning of 2025.
If you want to get notified as soon as the application is possible, please click here.
Step 2: Funding Pitch
If you are selected, you will have the opportunity to pitch for funding in front of a panel of experts. The pitch will determine whether and how much funding each team receives.
The Funding Pitch will be Q1 2025 at the Munich Urban Colab.
Step 3: Feedback
Shortly after the pitch, you will receive feedback as to whether and how much funding will be provided.
Live Info Sessions / Office Hour
For the upcoming application, we will offer online information sessions with general information about AI+MUNICH and the application process as well as a Q&A-Session each, in which we can answer most of the questions asked directly.
Please click here to apply for the Prototype Funding!
Any questions? Please read through the FAQs. If your questions are still not answered, send an email to contact@aimunich.com.
