User Group: Gründer:innen

  • Call for applications: Next Frontier AI

    Call for applications: Next Frontier AI

    The goal is clear: to ensure Europe is not only a user of advanced AI systems, but a creator of the next generation of AI technologies.

    Why Next Frontier AI?

    While Europe leads in AI research and adoption, many of today’s frontier AI systems are developed and scaled elsewhere. Next Frontier AI addresses this gap by supporting teams willing to take high-risk, high-impact bets on what comes after today’s dominant AI paradigms. Rather than prescribing what the “next frontier” should be, the initiative invites researchers and builders to define it themselves – whether through new algorithms, training paradigms, data modalities, architectures, or entirely new approaches to AI.

    A challenge-based approach

    Next Frontier AI follows a challenge-based funding model designed to maximize experimentation and learning:

    • €125M in total challenge funding
    • Initial selection of 10 teams, each receiving €3M in non-dilutive funding
    • Multiple phases with progressive funding and selection
    • Full freedom to experiment, pivot, and pursue bold hypotheses
    • A long-term pathway toward up to €1B per team for those ready to scale globally

    The objective of the early phases is not to produce a finished frontier lab, but to identify and prepare exceptional teams capable of scaling transformative AI systems over the long term.

    Who should apply

    The initiative is aimed at:

    • AI researchers, engineers, and technical builders
    • Small, highly skilled teams (typically 3–5 people)
    • Existing startups or newly formed teams
    • Applicants with bold visions – entrepreneurial experience is not required

    SPRIN-D supports participating teams not only with funding, but also with company-building support and ecosystem access.

    Europe at the center

    Next Frontier AI is designed to strengthen European AI sovereignty by building AI systems in Europe, aligned with European values, markets, and industrial needs while remaining globally competitive. Cyber Valley is one of Europe’s leading AI and robotics ecosystems. We are amplifying these initiatives to reach frontier builders in Europe and Europeans working abroad who may be ready to come back.

    All details on eligibility, timelines, and the application process are available on the Next Frontier AI website. 

    If you want to join the challenge, sign up here: https://next-frontier.ai/join

    For deeper context on the vision behind Next Frontier AI, listen to the SPRIN-D podcast episode with Mirko Holzer and Dr. Johannes Otterbach. 

  • Mirelo AI: Die Zukunft der KI aus dem Cyber Valley gestalten

    Mirelo AI: Die Zukunft der KI aus dem Cyber Valley gestalten

    Cyber Valley gratuliert Mirelo AI zu einem bedeutenden Meilenstein in der Unternehmensentwicklung. Das 2023 gegründete Start-up hat gemeinsam mit seinen Gründern Carl Johann Simon-Gabriel und Florian Wenzel eine Seed-Finanzierungsrunde in Höhe von 41 Millionen US-Dollar abgeschlossen, angeführt von Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) und Index Ventures. Diese Runde zählt zu den größten Frühphasenfinanzierungen innerhalb des Cyber Valley-Ökosystems bis heute.

    Der Werdegang von Carl Johann Simon-Gabriel steht exemplarisch für den erfolgreichen Transfer von Spitzenforschung in unternehmerische Innovation. Nach seiner Promotion bei Prof. Bernhard Schölkopf am Max-Planck-Institut für Intelligente Systeme in Tübingen sammelte er mehrere Jahre Erfahrung in führenden Technologieunternehmen in den USA, bevor er 2023 Mirelo AI mitbegründete.

    Mirelo AI entwickelt generative KI-Modelle zur automatischen Erzeugung hochwertiger, produktionsreifer Soundeffekte direkt aus Videomaterial. Die Technologie eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten für Anwendungen in Film, Gaming und Werbung und adressiert einen bislang kaum automatisierten Bereich audiovisueller Produktion.

    Gegründet im Jahr 2023, ist Mirelo AI seit 2024 Mitglied im Cyber Valley Startup Network. Die erfolgreiche Finanzierungsrunde unterstreicht das Potenzial des Unternehmens ebenso wie die Stärke des regionalen KI-Ökosystems, in dem wissenschaftliche Exzellenz, unternehmerische Ambition und internationale Sichtbarkeit zusammenkommen.

    Image: Flügelmann

    Im Rahmen des Demo Day des Cyber Valley AI Incubator (Batch #6) war Carl Johann Simon-Gabriel als Keynote Speaker zu Gast und teilte seine Erfahrungen mit der nächsten Generation von Gründerinnen und Gründern. Dabei betonte er:

    „Cyber Valley ist eine großartige Initiative für aufstrebende KI-Startups, insbesondere weil sie in der weltbekannten KI-Forschungsszene und dem Talentpool Tübingens verwurzelt ist.“

    Mirelo AI wächst weiter und arbeitet aktiv am Ausbau seines Teams im Bereich generativer KI für Audio und Video. Weitere Informationen zu offenen Positionen finden sich auf der Website des Unternehmens.

    Related Start-Ups

    • Mirelo AI

      Mirelo AI

  • VC Ask-Me-Anything: Insights for Future Founders & Researchers

    VC Ask-Me-Anything: Insights for Future Founders & Researchers

    This event is aimed especially at PhD Students, researchers, and aspiring founders in Tübingen who would like to gain first-hand insights into how venture capitalists think and build early connections without the pressure of pitching.

    The event is jointly organized by the Tübingen AI Center and Cyber Valley GmbH. 

    Participants

    Meet Representatives from:

    What to expect

    • Insights into how venture capitalists evaluate early-stage companies

    • Practical advice on fundraising, market trends, and early start-up decisions

    • An open Q&A in an informal setting

    • Networking over pizza and drinks after the session

     

    The panel will be moderated by Professor Peter Gehler focused on tech transfer at Tübingen AI Center.

  • Cyber Valley at Heilbronn Slush’D

    Cyber Valley at Heilbronn Slush’D

    Heilbronn Slush’D is organized by Campus Founders, a start-up and innovation hub based in Heilbronn. The event was sold out, with over 1,000 participants from across Europe taking part in talks, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. The festival enabled start-ups and founders to connect with key stakeholders and develop their ideas.

    For CELLnROLL (recipients of the Cyber Valley Innovation Fellowship Program) Heilbronn Slush’D was ‘an inspiring event bringing together founders, investors, and innovation leaders from across Europe.’ Following the event, they were ‘inspired, energized, and full of new ideas for what’s next!’

    Maximilian Bode, Co-founder of Cyber Valley Start-up Biocompile, was in attendance for the first time: ‘Despite the bad weather, it was a great experience!‘ For Max, events like Heilbronn Slush’D are ‚places where the most interesting people meet.’

    Maximilian Bode (Biocompile) at Heilbronn Slush'D. Photo courtesy of Maximilian Bode.

    Maximilian Bode (Biocompile) at Heilbronn Slush’D. Photo courtesy of Maximilian Bode

    Johanna Kreßel from the University of Tübingen’s Startup Center also shared her impressions from her first time at Heilbronn Slush’D: ‘I really enjoyed the energy and open atmosphere that made it so easy to connect and have meaningful conversations.’

    Johanna Kreßel at Heilbronn Slush'D. Photo courtesy of Johanna Kreßel

    Johanna Kreßel (Tübingen Startup Center) at Heilbronn Slush’D. Photo courtesy of Johanna Kreßel

    KIT Gründerschmiede took part too. For them, Heilbronn Slush’D ‘was again a real experience – not only because of the wild weather, but above all because of the incredible energy that could be felt between impulses on stage, networking around the campfire, and conversations at the food trucks.’

    KIT Gründerschmeide at Heilbronn Slush'D

    KIT Gründerschmiede at Heilbronn Slush’D. Photo courtesy of KIT Gründerschmiede

    Members of the Cyber Valley Start-up Network have been recognized at previous iterations of the festival. Ventus Technologies secured the top prize of €100,000 in investment in 2023, followed by Tabularis AI claiming the same award in 2024. These examples show how Cyber Valley start-ups have benefited from the support provided by Campus Founders at Heilbronn Slush’D.

    By attending Heilbronn Slush’D, members of the Cyber Valley Community demonstrated the value of collaboration and were impressed by the growing momentum in Heilbronn. Through their scientific expertise and diverse perspectives, they are playing an essential role in the success of Germany’s research and innovation ecosystem.

    Photo courtesy of Heilbronn Slush’D

  • UTokyo IPC und Cyber Valley starten gemeinsames Valley-and-Sunrise-Programm

    UTokyo IPC und Cyber Valley starten gemeinsames Valley-and-Sunrise-Programm

    STUTTGART/ TÜBINGEN und TOKIO, 28. Oktober 2025 – Cyber Valley und UTokyo IPC geben den Start Start von „Valley and Sunrise“ bekannt. Das Programm zur Markterschließung unterstützt deutsche Start-ups aus den Bereichen KI und Robotik dabei, das Innovationsökosystem Japans zu erkunden und dort zu expandieren.

    Das Valley-and-Sunrise-Programm ist das Ergebnis einer strategischen Partnerschaft zwischen Cyber Valley, Europas führendem Zentrum für Exzellenz in KI und moderner Robotik, und UTokyo IPC, dem Venture-Investment-Arm der Universität Tokio. Es eröffnet deutschen KI- und Robotik-Start-ups aus dem Cyber-Valley-Ökosystem den Zugang zu den akademischen und unternehmerischen Netzwerken von UTokyo IPC, beschleunigt ihren Markteintritt und die Kommerzialisierung in Japan und verschafft ihnen damit einen Wettbewerbsvorteil auf den globalen Märkten.

    Ausgewählte Start-ups erhalten :

    • Bis zu 50.000 Euro Förderung für den ersten Markteintritt.
    • Zugang zu japanischen Unternehmensvertreter:innen, strategischen Investor:innen und regulatorischer Expertise.
    • Individuelle „Proof of Concept“ (PoC)-Partnerschaften mit führenden japanischen Unternehmen.
    • Sechs Monate individuelles Mentoring, Networking-Möglichkeiten und Unterstützung für eine erfolgreiche Markteinführung.

    Bewerbungen für das Market Exploration Program sind vom 05. November bis 05.Dezember 2025 möglich. Die ausgewählten Start-ups starten das Programm im Frühjahr 2026. Es werden bis zu zwei Start-ups aus dem Cyber Valley Start-up Network teilnehmen.

    Florian Mayer, Geschäftsführer, Cyber Valley GmbH:

    „Das Valley-and-Sunrise-Programm bietet deutschen Start-ups eine einzigartige Chance, Einblicke und wertvolle Kontakte in einer der fortschrittlichsten Volkswirtschaften der Welt zu gewinnen. Das Programm fördert grenzüberschreitende Innovation zwischen Deutschland und Japan und unterstützt Deeptech-Start-ups aus dem Cyber-Valley-Ökosystem in Baden-Württemberg dabei, sich international erfolgreich zu positionieren.“

    Angelina Jukic, Programm Managerin, Cyber Valley GmbH:

    „Diese Initiative ist aus unserer engen Zusammenarbeit mit UTokyo IPC entstanden. Das Valley-and-Sunrise-Programm setzt unsere gemeinsame Vision in die Tat um – deutsche KI- und Robotik-Start-ups mit Japans führenden Investor:innen, Unternehmen und Forschenden zu vernetzen und die Kooperation zwischen unseren beiden Innovationsökosystemen zu stärken.“

    Hideki Nagasaka, Partner & Direktor, 1stRound, UTokyo IPC:

    „Durch unsere Zusammenarbeit mit Cyber Valley entsteht eine wirklich globale Plattform, die deutsche Start-ups dabei unterstützt, nicht nur im japanischen Markt erfolgreich zu sein, sondern auch international zu wachsen. Wir streben ein dynamisches Ökosystem an, in dem Innovationen nahtlos zwischen Deutschland, Japan und darüber hinaus fließen und so eine nachhaltige globale Wirkung erzielen.“

    Über UTokyo IPC

    UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) ist eine Risikokapitalgesellschaft, die sich vollständig im Besitz der Universität Tokio befindet und 2016 gegründet wurde, um die globale industrielle Wettbewerbsfähigkeit Japans durch Investitionen in Start-ups und den Aufbau von Ökosystemen zu stärken.

    Als öffentlich-private Risikokapitalgesellschaft hat UTokyo IPC in mehr als 80 universitätsnahe Start-ups und Risikokapitalfonds in Japan und im Ausland investiert.

    Neben Investitionen betreibt UTokyo IPC das Startup-Building-Programm, das die Kommerzialisierung von Forschungsergebnissen unterstützt, 1stRound, Japans größten akademischen Accelerator, und DeepTech Dive, ein Programm zur Förderung von Deep-Tech-Talenten. Im Jahr 2024 startete UTokyo IPC den ASA-Fond im Rahmen einer Initiative der Stadtverwaltung von Tokio, um die globale Zusammenarbeit zu fördern und Japan als Zentrum für Deep-Tech-Innovationen zu etablieren.

    Über Cyber Valley

    Cyber Valley ist Europas führendes Zentrum für Exzellenz in künstlicher Intelligenz und moderner Robotik. Durch den Aufbau eines dynamischen Ökosystems sowie die Förderung reibungsloser Zusammenarbeit und eines schnellen Wissensaustauschs zwischen Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft gestalten wir eine Zukunft, in der das volle Potenzial intelligenter Systeme zum Wohle der Gesellschaft ausgeschöpft werden soll.

    Pressekontakt

    Hazel Rowland, Cyber Valley GmbH: hazel.rowland@cyber-valley.de
    Akiko Tsuchiya, UTokyo IPC: info2@utokyo-ipc.co.jp

  • How to start up at the University of Stuttgart?

    How to start up at the University of Stuttgart?

     Many aspiring founders are unsure where to start or which support services can help them turn an idea into a business. This event aims to change that.

    Together with the Institute for Entrepreneurship (ENI), TTI Technologie-Transfer-Initative GmbH, the University’s transfer center TRACES, NXTGN, and a guest startup, participants get to explore how innovative ideas can grow into successful ventures at the University of Stuttgart.

     

    Participants will:

    • Learn about the university’s startup support programs and initiatives

    • Meet the people driving entrepreneurship in Stuttgart

    • Hear first-hand experiences from founders

    As a special guest, Michael Ilewicz, co-founder of Ecalia, will share his story of building a Stuttgart-based startup developing next-generation compressor-expander technology.

    This event is open to students, doctoral candidates, researchers, and anyone curious about entrepreneurship. No business idea or prior experience is needed – just curiosity and an open mind.

    Snacks and drinks will be available in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

     

    Interested? 

    No registration is required for this event. Just drop by!

     

    Contact

    For any questions regarding the event, please contact Mia Zsohár (mia.zsohar@eni.uni-stuttgart.de).

    You already have an idea you would like to get started with? Get in touch with startupcoaching@traces.uni-stuttgart.de for a first touchpoint.

  • Demo Day of the Cyber Valley AI Incubator

    Demo Day of the Cyber Valley AI Incubator

     

    Over the past six weeks, the Batch #7 teams of the Cyber Valley AI Incubator have been developing their AI-powered start-up ideas, guided by mentors from the Cyber Valley Community. Now, they’re ready to pitch their ventures to a panel of judges and an audience of investors, researchers, corporate leaders, and entrepreneurs.

    The jury will recognize top-performing teams, who will win exciting prizes. Discover cutting-edge AI solutions and connect with key players from the region’s thriving AI landscape in an energetic atmosphere over drinks and finger food.

     

    When? 

    Thursday, November 20, 2025
    16:00–19:45 CET

     

    Where? 

    Amazon Research & Development Center

    Friedrich-Mieschler-Straße 4, 72076 Tübingen 

     

    Registration

    Please register via Eventbrite in advance as the number of participants is limited.

     

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator is a six-week program for AI talent with brilliant ideas. It encourages scientists, technologists, and business talent to found their own companies, fostering the next generation of AI start-ups. The AI Incubator equips participants with the right knowledge, tools, and skills to transfer their groundbreaking AI and robotics research into products and applications.

    It covers topics such as AI prototyping, product-market fit, business strategy, and funding. The program also provides participants with access to a network of experts, mentors, founders, and investors who offer guidance and inspiration on their journey into the AI business world. 

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator is organized by the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.

     

  • Green AI Day 2025

    Green AI Day 2025

     

    Was Sie erwartet:

    • Keynotes, Panels und Start-up Pitches rund um #GreenAI
    • 6 interaktive Breakout-Sessions zu Themen wie Ressourceneffizienz, Bildung, Industrie, Europa, Regulatorik und Verwaltung
    • Matchmaking, Afterparty und Catering

     

    Warum dabei sein?

    Weil KI ein Schlüssel zur Nachhaltigkeit ist – und wir sie verantwortungsvoll gestalten müssen. Der Green AI Day zeigt, wie das gelingen kann.

     

    Wann?

    Donnerstag, 25. September 2025, 12:00 – 22:00 Uhr

     

    Wo?

    Perkins Park, Stuttgart

     

    Interesse?

    Die Tickets für diese Veranstaltung sind limitiert. Falls Sie es noch nicht getan haben, können Sie sich hier anmelden unter: https://pretix.eu/GreenAIDay/2025/

    Weiter Informationen und Updates zum Programm finden Sie hier.

     

    Die Veranstaltung ist eine Kooperation der Wirtschaftsförderung der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart, der Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH sowie der KI-Allianz Baden-Württemberg – und hat sich in den letzten beiden Jahren als überregionales Branchenevent etabliert.

  • Demo Day of the AI Incubator and Summer Meet-up

    Demo Day of the AI Incubator and Summer Meet-up

    Over the past six weeks, the Batch #6 teams of the AI Incubator have been working intensively to bring their AI-driven ideas to life, with expert mentorship and support from members of the Cyber Valley Community. Now they will present their final start-up ideas to a jury and an esteemed audience of investors, researchers, corporate leaders, and other entrepreneurs.

    The top teams will be recognized by the jury and have the opportunity to win attractive prizes. This special edition of the event combines the final presentations with a vibrant Summer Meet-up—featuring networking, drinks, finger food, and an energetic atmosphere to celebrate innovation and community.

    When?

    Thursday, July 10, 2025, 16:00–19:45

    Where?

    Amazon Research & Development Center

    Friedrich-Miescher-Straße 4, 72076 Tübingen

    Schedule

    16:00–16:15: Welcome & Drinks

    16:15–16:25: Introduction to Batch #6 of the AI Incubator

    16:25–16:30: Welcome speech by Carl Zeiss Stiftung

    16:30–17:00: Pitches from the AI Incubator Teams

    17:00–17:20: Coffee break

    17:20–17:55: Pitches from the AI Incubator Teams

    17:55–19:00: Keynote & Award ceremony

    19:00: Networking with drinks & fingerfood

    Registration

    Please register via Eventbrite in advance as the number of participants is limited.

    The AI Incubator

    The AI Incubator is a six-week program for AI talents with brilliant ideas. The program encourages scientists, technologists, and business talent to found their own companies, fostering the next generation of AI start-ups. The AI Incubator equips participants with the right knowledge, tools, and skills to transfer their cutting-edge AI and robotics research into products and applications.

    It covers topics such as, AI prototyping, product-market fit, business strategy, and funding. The program also provides participants with access to a network of experts, mentors, founders, and investors who offer guidance and inspiration on their journey into the AI business world.

    The Cyber Valley AI Incubator is organized by the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, and funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.

  • Mira Vision accelerates innovation at VENTURE SPRIN-D

    Mira Vision accelerates innovation at VENTURE SPRIN-D

    At VENTURE SPRIN-D 2025, over 50 teams presented their innovative ideas to more than 250 international investors. The event featured live pitches, a networking exhibition area, and opportunities to make valuable connections. Alongside other members of the Cyber Valley Community, Cyber Valley Start-up MIRA Vision seized this opportunity to show how they are revolutionizing the health industry.

    We interviewed MIRA Vision founders, Lukas Mürdter and Leonid Mill, to gain insights into VENTURE SPRIN-D and what their start-up is all about. 

    Cyber Valley: How has attending this event impacted Mira Vision? What were your key takeaways? 
     
    Leonid Mill, MIRA Vision CTO & Founder, explains, “Attending the VENTURE SPRIN-D event was an outstanding experience for us. VENTURE SPRIN-D showcased the incredible innovation power of all the SPRIN-D portfolio start-ups, and it was truly inspiring to be part of such a dynamic environment. We deeply appreciated the opportunity to be part of this ecosystem and to participate and pitch on stage during the Superconnector session — it was a fantastic moment for us.” 

    “The event provided an excellent platform to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors. We had the pleasure of engaging in valuable conversations, receiving insightful feedback from investors, and exchanging ideas with other forward-thinking innovators.” 

    “Overall, it was an exceptional opportunity that has positively impacted our journey, and we are grateful to have been part of it. Shoutout to SPRIN-D for this amazing event, creating such an inspiring platform that brings together so many bright minds and visionary thinkers – it’s initiatives like this that truly accelerate innovation,” Mill concludes.  

    Cyber Valley: What is MIRA Vision? How is it already revolutionizing the health industry? 

    CEO & Founder, Lukas Mürdter, explains: “MIRA Vision is a pioneering company in medical diagnostics. We use synthetic intelligence to analyze pathological images faster, more accurately, and at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional methods. By relying on fully parametric synthetic training data – not real patient data and without using generative models – we’re solving three of the biggest issues in medical AI: bias, privacy, and data scarcity.”  

    Mürdter further clarifies, “Right now, we’re already outperforming state-of-the-art models in key areas with just a fraction of the resources that are normally needed to train such systems. This means not only better diagnostics but also global accessibility – even in regions with limited infrastructure.” 

    Cyber Valley: Where do you see MIRA Vision being used in the future?  

    Lukas emphasizes, “Our vision goes beyond pathology. We see MIRA Vision as the backbone of diagnostics across all image-based disciplines – radiology, dermatology, ophthalmology, even surgery. Wherever an image can be taken, MIRA will analyze it. Ultimately, we want to give every doctor on this planet an AI-powered assistant that helps detect diseases early, accurately, and affordably – no matter where they are.” 

    Cyber Valley: What are your plans to make a positive impact on the world? 

    Lukas responds enthusiastically, “By being radically different – and radically better. Instead of building another AI that requires millions of patient records and insane GPU farms, we’ve designed a lightweight, scalable system built on expert-guided synthetic data. Our platform works out of the box, is regulation-friendly, and can be used for free in non-commercial settings.” 

    “We’re opening the platform to the global pathology community, offering unmatched accuracy, no data privacy concerns, and unbeatable economics. Once they start using it – they won’t want to stop. That’s how we scale. And yes – we’re just getting started,” Mürdter concludes.