AI Entrepreneurs Lab 2026: Apply for EIT’s 5-Day AI and Robotics Founder Bootcamp and Compete for €10,000 Venture Prizes
Applications are open for the AI Entrepreneurs Lab 2026, an intensive founder programme designed to help promising Master’s and PhD-level talent transform applied artificial intelligence and robotics ideas into credible early-stage ventures.
Overview
Organized by 28DIGITAL under the EIT Community AI & Robotics and positioned within the EU ApplyAI Strategy, the AI Entrepreneurs Lab is an intensive founder programme designed for technically capable students and graduates ready to move beyond research and test whether their applied AI and robotics ideas can become viable companies. The five-day in-person bootcamp is scheduled for 9–13 November 2026 across three cities and culminates in a Demo Day, where up to five merit-based prizes of €10,000 each will be awarded.
Eligibility
- Target participants include Master’s and PhD students and graduates with strong ideas in applied artificial intelligence or robotics.
- Candidates may apply individually or as a team of up to two people.
- Applicants may enter with either an early-stage concept or a recently incorporated startup that remains at the pre-launch stage.
- Artificial intelligence or robotics must genuinely form the core of the proposed venture.
Benefits
- Up to 15 participants will join the intensive cohort to receive hands-on mentoring, customer discovery support, commercial-model testing, and pitch development.
- Up to five competitive prizes of €10,000 each will be awarded to teams demonstrating the strongest venture potential at Demo Day.
- Awards connect participants with the EU Apply AI Summit in Brussels.
- Travel and accommodation support for selected participants may be available, subject to programme rules and available budget.
How to Apply
Candidates must submit a complete application through the official online platform before the deadline. The required application materials include:
- A completed application form.
- A CV for each team member.
- A short, creative presentation of the proposed idea.
Applicants should ensure they can participate fully in the multi-day, in-person programme across three cities before applying.
Deadline
Applications close on 21 October 2026 at 17:00 CET.