Scale in Europe. Access Real Markets. Join the Top AI Network.
Are you building Europe’s next AI breakthrough business?
AI Launchpad is designed for AI founders grounded in cutting-edge research and ready to scale. We unite the continent’s top AI hubs through one coordinated platform — powered by Rise Europe and backed by ELIAS — giving you unparalleled access to local markets, networks, and support across Europe’s strongest startup ecosystems.
How Does It Work?
AI Launchpad in 3 Steps
Why Us?
Participate in either the Spring or Fall season, visiting a European AI hub for a curated 1–2 week program designed to match your market goals and maturity.
01
Seasonal Startup Mobility
AI Launchpad is supported by ELIAS and coordinated by Rise Europe — bringing together Europe’s most dynamic AI startup ecosystems under one trusted framework.
02
Trusted by Europe’s Best
Rather than a single accelerator, this is a decentralized mobility network. You apply via a local facilitator and move across hubs with shared purpose and aligned timing.
03
Not a Batch Program — A Network
Get matched with investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders. Join targeted sessions before and after your visit to maximize impact.
04
Curated Coaching & Connections
Our AI Experts and Entrepreneurs
Dr. Luisine Abrahamyan
Co-founder and CTO BeVi AI Startup
Morteza Amini
CEO and Co-Founder SciPub+
Dr. Matthias Bethge
Director Tübingen AI Center
Dr. Isabell Claus
Co-Founder thinkers.ai
Prof. Dr. Menna El-Assady
Assistant Professor ETH Zurich
Melanie Gabriel
Co-Founder Yokoy
Manuel Grenacher
CEO and Co-Founder Unique
Simeon Harrison
AI Supercomputing Trainer
Dr. Christopher Hartland
European Patent Attorney at Potter Clarkson
Stephan Hofmann
CEO Minimist
Adam Jafer
Founder Voi Technology
Hedvig Kjellström
Professor, KTH
Jan Willem Kleinrouweler
Head of ML Engineering at appliedAI Institute for Europe
Sven J. Koerner
Founder thingsTHINKING
Prof. Dr. Andreas Krause
Professor at ETH Zurich
Prof. Dr. Georg Langs
Professor at Medical University of Vienna
Anna Kazakova Lindegren
AI Technical Specialist at IBM
Dr. Mikkel Marfelt
Advisor & Mentor DTU
Hannes Eder Öhrström
Business Development Coach KTH
Prof. Dr. Giorgia Ramponi
Assistant Professor UZH
Ted Schönbeck
Nordic CTO of Google Cloud
Taylor Peer
Founder Beat Shaper
Dr. Stefan Tuchschmid
CEO and Co-Founder Scanvio
Clemens Wasner
CEO and Founder EnliteAI
Our Program
Visiting Hub Program. Trusted Referrals. Seasonal Mobility.
AI Launchpad isn't a traditional accelerator. Startups are referred by one of our ten partner hubs, so every founder arrives already known and trusted within the network.
Each Spring and Fall, selected startups visit one of ten top-tier European AI hubs for an approx. 2-week program. This season-based model is tied to local hub calendars, so you arrive in the ecosystem when it's the most active. These visits are designed to connect you with the people, knowledge, and resources that accelerate your next strategic step — whether it's market entry, fundraising, or building a local partner base.
Current Season
Fall 2026
Fall Season Schedule
Nominations Due:
Kick-Off Call:
Visiting Hub Engagements:
01 September 2026
End of September
October - December 2026
This program is for you if:
You're building with AI and have early customer feedback.
You're connected to one of our ten partner hubs.
You're ready to test a new European market.
Your Goal: Scale a VC-fundable start-up with European/global impact.