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AI Launchpad Batch #2

AI Launchpad Batch #2

Aug 1, 2025 | AI Launchpad, Opportunities

Centralised Application Process

Say goodbye to the hassle of applying to multiple incubators. With AI Launchpad, you can apply through our central portal and gain access to a network of premier AI startup ecosystems.

A Network of AI Experts and Entrepreneurs

Leverage a pan-European network of AI experts and entrepreneurs. Access centralised learning from ten hubs, bridging the gap between science and entrepreneurship

Immersion and Expansion

Participate in either the Spring or Fall season by joining a curated 1–2 week visit to a leading European AI hub. The program is tailored to your market goals and maturity, connecting you with investors, corporate partners, and key ecosystem leaders. To maximise impact, you’ll also take part in targeted sessions before and after your visit.

Batch #2

Are you elegible?

Teams of 2-4 entrepreneurial students/researchers.

Completing higher education at a European University.

Aiming to develop AI technologies into marketable products/services.

Goal: Launch a VC-fundable start-up with European/global impact.

Our Programme

Visiting Hub Program

The two-week immersive program designed specifically for AI startups looking to navigate and strategize their entry into the European market. This initiative offers participants a deep dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of the European landscape, facilitating tailored growth and expansion strategies

Market Exploration
Network Building

Understand Market Dynamics

Analyse the current trends and economic conditions in the German and broader European markets.

Engage with Thought Leaders

Participate in discussions with leading thinkers in the AI and tech industries.

Identify Sector Opportunities

Pinpoint sectors with high growth potential and demand for your AI solutions.

Form Strategic Alliances

Explore opportunities for forming alliances with established businesses that can offer complementary strengths.

Assess Competitive Landscape

Evaluate local competition to strategize positioning of your AI startup.

Cultivate Relationships with Local Entrepreneurs

Forge connections with local startups and entrepreneurs for cross-cultural insights and collaboration.

Recognise Regulatory Challenges

Learn about specific regulatory requirements and hurdles in Europe that could impact market entry.

Initiate Investor Dialogues

Meet potential investors to discuss funding possibilities and gain financial insights.

 

The local accelerators

Participants can apply to one of our 10 local hubs to be part of a 1-2 week visiting hub program, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in a vibrant ecosystem. This period is crucial for deep engagement with the community and iterative refinement of innovative projects.

Choose between one of ten local accelerator hubs, each offering a unique and tailored programme for your start-up:

INiTS | Vienna, Austria
DTU Skylab | Lyngby, Denmark
Campus Founders | Heilbronn, Germany
ETH AI Center & Talent Kick | Zurich, Switzerland
KTH Innovation | Stockholm, Sweden
XPLORE Venture Creator | Munich, Germany
HPI – ELIAS Node Potsdam | Potsdam, Germany
CVC – ELIAS Node Barcelona | Barcelona, Spain
Yes!Delft | Delft, Netherlands
Cyber Valley – ELIAS Node Tübingen | Tübingen, Germany

How does it work?

Nomination

Startups are referred by local facilitators. No open calls, just quality.

Onboarding

Join 2–3 online workshops to align goals, prepare assets, and connect early.

Immersion

Spend 2 weeks in a new European hub, engage in curated meetings, events, and VC introductions.

What to Submit

  1. Your Startup Overview — Share a clear and compelling pitch deck or one-pager that highlights your vision, product, and market opportunity.
  2. Team Introduction Video (1 minute) — Introduce the people behind the startup. Keep it simple, genuine, and authentic. Record your video, upload it to Loom or YouTube, and include the link in your application.
  3. Nomination Form — Once you have your materials ready, complete the application form and submit your nomination.

Deadline: August 31, 2025 at 23:59 CET

We can’t wait to discover your story — and learn how your AI venture is shaping the future.

Get Nominated for the Fall Season!

More info under: www.ai-launchpad.eu | For enquiries regarding nominations, programmes, or collaborations, please contact:

Contact

 entrepreneurship@ai.ethz.ch

AI for Trade Challenge

AI for Trade Challenge

Jun 30, 2025 | Challenges & Competitions, Opportunities

Competition Details

About the Challenge

The AI for Trade Global Challenge invites data scientists, economists, and machine learning experts from around the world to help shape the future of trade prediction. Teams will have to submit a forecast of the trade flows for the United States and China for the month of October of 2025. The forecast should provide trade values in dollars for the top 20 sources and destinations for the top 200 exports and imports of the United States and China (at the HS4 product level).

Eligibility
  • Participants may enter in a team of 1 – 5 persons
  • Teams must register to express their interest to participate and also to get access to the training data provided by the OEC
  • Each participant must belong to a single team
  • All participants must be able to identify themselves as natural persons
  • Participants are required to submit:
    1.  a plain text csv file with their forecast, in the following format: “Country1” , “Country2”, “ProductCode”, “TradeFlow”, “Value”
    2.  a 2-page long method description is also required that focuses on how the model was created and implemented.
Dataset & Resources

Historical trade data for the US and China will be made available for all months of the year 2023 and 2024.

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Expected Outcomes

We are looking for the most accurate trade prediction for October 2025.
By joining the challenge, along with gaining valuable professional experience, you’ll also have the chance to win exciting prizes.

 

Key Dates
  • Registration starts on July 23 , 2025
  • Submission deadline: October 31, 23:59 CET
Please make sure to check out the detailed description:
GET STARTED
Evaluation Criteria

  • How Entries Will Be Evaluated: Predictions about the trade flows of the US and China will be evaluated respectively against trade data published by each of these countries (the US and China).
    The winning team is the one with the best forecast according to sMAPE (symmetric mean absolute percentage error).
    To be eligible for winning, all forecasts must pass a minimum requirement of having a higher accuracy than a forecast based on using raw trade data for July 2025 to predict the flows for October 2025 (historical data shows these baseline sMAPEs to be about 35% to 45%).

  • Judging Panel: TBD

Prizes

First Prize:
3000 USD
Free OEC Premium accounts for 1 year for all team members.

Second Prize:
2000 USD
Free OEC Premium accounts for 1 year for all team members.

Third Prize:
1000 USD
Free OEC Premium accounts for 1 year for all team members.

Have Questions?

For further information or queries, please contact:
📧 ai4trade@centerforcollectivelearning.org

Partners and Support
  • The Observatory of Economic Complexity
  • Poverty and Equity, the World Bank
  • Trade Practice, the World Bank
  • Asian Development Bank
  • Fundación Cotec, Spain
    Academic Partners
    • European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability
    • Complexity Economic Group, University of Oxford
    • Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies, Corvinus University of Budapest
    • Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse (IAST), Toulouse School of Economics​
    • Global Opportunity Lab at UC Berkeley
    Call for Nominations: ELLIS Fellows & Scholars 2025

    Call for Nominations: ELLIS Fellows & Scholars 2025

    Jun 26, 2025 | News, Opportunities

    The European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS) is accepting nominations for new Fellows and Scholars. 

    Inspired by the Canadian CIFAR network (formerly LMB CIFAR), the ELLIS Fellowship Program brings together outstanding researchers through collaborative groups that focus on key research themes via workshops and ongoing collaboration.

    This initiative serves two key purposes:

    1. Recognising and supporting top-tier researchers who are advancing the frontiers of machine learning and AI.
    2. Building a strong, connected European AI community that can influence strategic directions—similar to the Canadian experience, which led to the creation of Mila (Montreal), Vector (Toronto), and Amii (Edmonton) under a national AI strategy.

    About ELLIS Fellows and Scholars

    ELLIS Fellows are outstanding senior researchers—typically with more than ten years of post-PhD experience—who play a key role in shaping the scientific and strategic vision of ELLIS. They act as ambassadors, provide leadership, and actively  contribute to strengthening the ELLIS ecosystem.

    ELLIS Scholars are exceptional early-career researchers—often assistant professors—with up to ten years of post-PhD experience, who are clearly on a trajectory towards becoming future Fellows.

    For ease of reference, the term “Fellow” is used below to encompass both Fellows and Scholars.

    Key Contributions of Fellows

    Beyond research excellence and community-building, ELLIS Fellows contribute to the network in several key ways:

    • Supervising students in the ELLIS PhD program
    • Supporting the establishment of the  ELLIS Units and Institutes
    • Providing strategic input on the growth and direction of ELLIS
    • Participating in the selection process for new Fellows

    Fellowship Programs unite researchers through regular meetings held across Europe, encouraging the exchange of ideas, strengthening community ties, and enhancing the international visibility of European AI research. 

    These programs are currently supported by the ELIAS project, with fellowships guaranteed until the end of ELIAS funding (2027).

    Nomination Process

    Selection is based on:
    • scientific excellence, 
    • societal impact, 
    • relationship to ELLIS

    Only ELLIS Program and Unit Directors are eligible to nominate candidates for Fellowship.

    Nominations are evaluated by current Fellows who:
    • Are from different countries than the candidate
    • Hold different nationalities
    • Have no conflict of interest
    Z
    Evaluation Criteria (Not Exhaustive)
    • Strong publication record in leading conferences and journals
    • High citation impact
    • International awards and recognitions

    Detailed guidelines on the evaluation criteria were recently updated and can be found here → .

      How to Apply

      Interested researchers should reach out directly to the relevant Director.

      🗓️ Deadline for nominations: September 30th, 2025

      More details and the full nomination guidelines are available at:🔗 Open Call for ELLIS Fellows and Scholar nominations 2025

      View last year’s call and selected Fellows & Scholars: 🔗 Fellows & Scholar

      Have Questions?

      For further information or queries, please contact:

      Giulia Clerici

      📧 admin-fellows@ellis.eu

      ELIAS Reveals the Winners of Its First Open Call: Pioneering AI Solutions for a Sustainable Future

      ELIAS Reveals the Winners of Its First Open Call: Pioneering AI Solutions for a Sustainable Future

      Jun 20, 2025 | News, Press Release

      Press Release: ELIAS Reveals the Winners of Its First Open Call: Pioneering AI Solutions for a Sustainable Future

      Bringing Cutting-Edge AI Innovations to Sustainability Challenges

      Trento, Italy – June 20th, 2025

      The European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability (ELIAS) is excited to announce the selection of four visionary projects as winners of its 1st Open Call for AI-driven sustainability projects. These cutting-edge initiatives will receive funding and support to develop AI-driven solutions addressing some of today’s most urgent environmental and societal challenges. 

      This milestone marks a major step forward in ELIAS’s  commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence to drive sustainable innovation and societal impact.

      Strong Interest from Across Europe and Beyond

      The call attracted remarkable interest, with 214 submissions from startups, SMEs, and NGOs across 32 countries, highlighting the vibrant European and global AI innovation ecosystem committed to tackling pressing societal and environmental challenges. Proposals addressed seven targeted use cases (UCs), including AI for Building Optimisation (53 proposals), AI for Monitoring Virtual Infrastructure (24), Responsible User-centric Advertising (22), Mitigating Misinformed Migrant Perception in the EU (15), AI for Forecasting Vegetation State (42), Materials Discovery (13), and Personalised Co-piloting Systems (44), alongside 42 proposals covering other relevant topics.

      Each selected project will enter a six-month development programme, receiving up to €60,000 in funding, and visibility through ELIAS channels and events.

      Rigorous Selection Process

      Projects were assessed by the consortium members and by 2 independent experts on three key criteria:

      • Excellence: Innovation, ambition, and technical feasibility
      • Impact & Scope: Relevance to sustainability and market potential
      • Implementation: Team capability and resource readiness

      Tie-breakers considered diversity, environmental and social impact, and submission timing. Only the highest-scoring projects progressed to the final selection.

      “The response to our first Open Call exceeded all expectations, showing just how vibrant and mission-driven the European AI ecosystem is. These four selected projects demonstrate the transformative power of AI when applied with purpose and responsibility,” said Prof. Nicu Sebe, Coordinator of ELIAS.

      Meet the Winners

      LUCIA (Learning Urban Cognitive Intelligence for Autonomous Buildings)

      by EWALA IT Services (SPAIN)

      LUCIA is an open-source, AI-powered platform that optimises energy use in smart buildings. Lightweight and privacy-preserving, it deploys self-learning agents across systems such as HVAC, lighting, and energy metering to detect inefficiencies, adapt in real time, and reduce costs and emissions. These edge-based agents, coordinated by a central server, enable scalable, automated control while preserving data sovereignty. Fully aligned with GAIA-X and ELIAS principles, LUCIA directly addresses UC1 – AI for Building Optimisation, offering a secure, sustainable solution for both public and private infrastructure.

      PINNSSHS (Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Self-Healing and Sustainable Solutions)

      by Valence Technologies (BELGIUM)

      PINNSSHS advances the design of self-healing polymers using a reverse-engineering approach powered by physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). Starting from target mechanical properties like Young’s modulus and viscosity, it identifies optimal chemical formulations, validated further through chemical kinetics simulations to ensure fast, cost-effective curing. This intelligent pipeline accelerates polymer development by up to six months and supports sustainable innovation aligned with the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, directly addressing UC6 – Materials Discovery.

      TENSORIA (Tensor-Network Enhanced System for Observability and Real-time Intrusion Analysis)

      by Multiverse Computing SL (SPAIN)

      TENSORIA combines the precision of autoencoders with the interpretability of tensor networks to deliver a lightweight, transparent, and energy-efficient AI for real-time cybersecurity monitoring of virtual infrastructures  (UC2 – AI for Monitoring Virtual Infrastructure). By improving transparency and interpretability, TENSORIA enhances decision-making and accelerates response times while maintaining performance on par with existing AI methods, addressing the common challenge of “black box” models in cybersecurity.

      AI-REFRAME (AI-Based Approach for Reshaping European Frames on Migration and Refugees)

      by Athens Technology Center (Greece)

      AI-REFRAME uses deep learning and large language models to detect and counter disinformation about migration. Designed for all user levels—journalists, policymakers, educators, and the public—it provides interpretable insights and reliable counternarratives to foster informed, inclusive dialogue (UC 4 – Mitigating Misinformed Migrant Perception in the EU). The project supports media literacy, promotes critical thinking, and aids policymakers in crafting more targeted and culturally sensitive policies, contributing to human rights and sustainable development goals.

      Looking Ahead: AI for a Sustainable Europe

      These winning projects exemplify ELIAS’s vision of AI as a powerful driver of sustainable development, ethical innovation, and societal well-being. By supporting mission-driven AI initiatives, ELIAS continues to strengthen Europe’s position as a global leader in responsible AI research and application.

      “The diversity and real-world impact of these projects are impressive. It’s inspiring to see so many innovative SMEs, NGOs, and startups contributing to our vision, showcasing the strength of AI innovation across Europe. We look forward to discovering even more groundbreaking solutions in our second Call opening early 2026,” said Cecilia Zanazzo, Project Manager of ELIAS.

      Building on the success of its first Open Call, ELIAS is set to accelerate cross-sector collaboration and innovation to create a greener, fairer future. The second Call for proposals will open in early 2026, welcoming new AI projects focused on driving sustainability and positive societal impact.

      Access Press Release here: ELIAS Reveals the Winners of Its First Open Call: Pioneering AI Solutions for a Sustainable Future

      For the full ranking list of evaluated proposals, visit: ELIAS 1st Open Call – Ranking List

      Contact

      Aygun Garayeva, PR Manager, ELIAS

      Nicu Sebe, Coordinator, ELIAS

      elias-coordination@unitn.it

      ELIAS Strengthens Interdisciplinary AI Research Through ELLIS PhD Program

      ELIAS Strengthens Interdisciplinary AI Research Through ELLIS PhD Program

      May 28, 2025 | News, Press Release

      Press Release: ELIAS Strengthens Interdisciplinary AI Research Through ELLIS PhD Program

      The European Lighthouse of AI for Sustainability (ELIAS) is shaping the next generation of AI researchers—through the ELLIS PhD Program—by uniting cutting-edge technical training with ethical responsibility and a focus on sustainable impact.

      Trento, Italy – May 27, 2025

      ELIAS is reinforcing its commitment to developing responsible and impactful AI by supporting the Interdisciplinary Track within the ELLIS PhD & Postdoc Program, now marking its first full year.

      This pioneering track connects AI experts and researchers whose primary expertise lies outside of machine learning, such as biology, law, climate science, and humanities, fostering collaboration through a unique dual-supervision model that blends technical excellence with societal relevance.

      “Through this track, ELIAS is helping nurture AI researchers who not only understand the algorithms, but also the broader systems they influence—equipping them to engage deeply with disciplines such as biology, law, climate science, and the humanities. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and dual supervision, the program ensures that technical innovation goes hand in hand with societal insight and responsibility.” said [Nicu Sebe, ELIAS Coordinator].

      Reflecting the need for context-aware, inclusive and sustainability-driven research, the track pairs PhD students with supervisors in both AI and a complementary discipline. The 2023–2024 cohort is already delivering high-impact work in areas like synthetic biology and Earth system science — showcasing the program’s transformative potential.

      Spotlight on Interdisciplinary Innovation

      AI for Molecular Design

      Researcher: Kieran Didi – University of Oxford

      Kieran’s research explores the transformative potential of generative modelling techniques — such as diffusion models and flow matching — for biomolecular design in synthetic biology. While these methods have revolutionised image generation, their scientific use in fields like drug discovery and protein engineering is still limited by low success rates and controllability.

      “This project aims to develop next-generation generative models that are not only powerful in theory but also effective in practice. The goal is to identify the most efficient way to computationally model and design biomolecules so they reliably meet experimental constraints once synthesised in the lab. Key challenges include incorporating fitness measurements into design, modelling complex experimental environments like multi-state density conditions, and leveraging atomistic modelling for greater structural control.”

      Foundation Models for the Earth System

      Researcher: Sebastian Hoffmann – Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry

      Sebastian’s research sets out to create WeGen-Land, the first Foundation Model for the Earth’s land surface — a breakthrough for geoscientific AI. Building on the success of Deep Learning Weather Prediction (DLWP) models, which have rapidly outperformed traditional numerical approaches, this project applies data-driven, task-independent techniques to a domain that has seen little comparable innovation.

      “WeGen-Land will be trained on petabytes of satellite data using masked autoencoders to extract meaningful representations of the land surface. It will be combined with WeGen-Atmo — ECMWF’s atmospheric Foundation Model — to create WeatherGenerator, the first Earth system Foundation Model based entirely on raw observational data. The research integrates diverse satellite data into a unified model, couples land and atmosphere, and ensures scalability across space and time to support applications like carbon cycle and vegetation forecasting.”

      Through their research, Kieran and Sebastian are bridging cutting-edge AI and scientific discovery — from biomolecular design to Earth system modelling — by harnessing advances in machine learning architecture and representation learning.

      The Interdisciplinary Track complements the ELLIS Academic and Industry Tracks. The Academic Track includes cross-border supervision and research exchange, while the Industry Track blends academic and industrial mentorship with a six-month placement. Together, they reflect ELLIS’ mission to foster collaborative, impactful, and ethically grounded AI — a mission further amplified by ELIAS, which helps ensure Europe’s leadership in sustainable, responsible AI.

      Expanding Reach Across Europe and Beyond

      The ELLIS PhD & Postdoc Program now spans over 50 leading institutions across Europe, including key ELIAS partners such as the University of Copenhagen, University of Tübingen, Czech Technical University, ANITI, University of Trento, Università degli Studi di Milano, ELLIS Alicante, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, IDEAS NCBR, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, ETH Zurich, Inria, Aalto University, and the University of Manchester. International collaboration is further strengthened through partnerships like CIFAR/ELLIS, with a select number of students hosted at top institutions in Canada.

      The 2024 call saw 1,479 applicants from 96 countries and 102 nationalities, with nearly 3,200 applicants registered in total. Among 90 selected candidates, the most represented nationalities of the selected applicants were Europeans (51%), Chinese (13%), Indian (8%), Iranian (8%) and Israeli (3.5%) — reflecting the program’s strong global appeal and commitment to inclusivity.  

      • ELIAS Research Areas 41% 41%

      610 applicants (41%) indicated research interests (RI) associated with ELIAS and sustainability.

      • Diversity and Inclusion 29% 29%

      Of the 90 selected candidates, 29% identify as female.

      • ELIAS Representation 38% 38%

      Of the 90 selected applicants, 38% will be joining institution within the ELIAS Consortium.

      “We’re very pleased to welcome such a diverse group of students and hope they will consider joining the Interdisciplinary Track for cross-domain collaborations.” said [Charlotte Delage, ELIAS Scientific Coordinator at IP Paris & ELLIS PhD Program Coordinator].

      Current data for the overall PhD program (pending final confirmation from the newest cohort) indicate the following track distribution: 73%  in the Academic Track, 16% in Industry, and 1% in Interdisciplinary, with 22% of our students  identifying as female.

      A Single Entry Point for Global Talent

      Each autumn, prospective students can apply centrally to the ELLIS PhD & Postdoc Program through a unified platform, offering access to a wide network of leading AI labs across Europe. The next call for the 2025-2026 intake will open in October, stay tuned for more information here or on the ELLIS website: https://ellis.eu/news.

      In addition to the annual call, faculty members can nominate exceptional candidates year-round: https://ellis.eu/nomination-phd-postdoc.

      🌟 Looking Ahead: EDS 2025

      ELIAS will be one of the supporters of the upcoming edition of European Doctoral Symposium (EDS), spotlighting interdisciplinary AI research with panels, workshops, and mentoring sessions. The event will feature strong representation from the ELIAS Network among its speakers.  More information can be found here: EDS 2025 – Robust AI, EDS 2025

      Access Press Release here: ELIAS Strengthens Interdisciplinary AI Research Through ELLIS PhD Program

      Contact

      Aygun Garayeva, PR Manager, ELIAS

      Nicu Sebe, Coordinator, ELIAS

      elias-coordination@unitn.it