HE
Hessian Center for Artificial Intelligence (hessian.AI)

Open Idea Competition

Pays unincorporated AI founders up to €2,500 for their startup idea pitch.

Teams submit a short written idea sketch through an online form, and after a multi-stage selection process the strongest ideas are presented to business and political figures at an evening award ceremony. Every participant gets feedback regardless of outcome, and the top three placings split a total of €5,000, though the prize is paid as in-kind services rather than cash.

hessian.AI wants aspiring founders who have not yet incorporated a company to submit an AI-based product, business, or research idea. It runs ideation workshops during the submission window to help teams sharpen their pitch before a jury and public event pick the winners.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.-
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Prize
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.€5K

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