User Group: Entrepreneur

  • 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: Shaping the Future of AI from Cyber Valley

    Mirelo AI: Shaping the Future of AI from Cyber Valley

    Carl Johann Simon-Gabriel’s career exemplifies the successful translation of cutting-edge research into entrepreneurial innovation. After completing his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Bernhard Schölkopf at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Tübingen, he spent several years working in leading technology companies in the United States before co-founding Mirelo AI.

    Mirelo AI develops generative AI models capable of producing high-quality, production-ready sound effects directly from video content. This technology addresses a largely untapped area of audiovisual production and offers substantial potential for applications in film, gaming, and advertising.

    Founded in 2023, since joining the Cyber Valley Startup Network in 2024, Mirelo AI has become a strong example of how scientific excellence, ambitious vision, and effective execution converge within the region’s AI ecosystem. The successful completion of this seed round underscores both the company’s potential and the international relevance of the Cyber Valley research and innovation environment.

    Image: Flügelmann

    At the Demo Day of the Cyber Valley AI Incubator (Batch #6), Carl Johann Simon-Gabriel participated as a keynote speaker, sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey and inspiring the next generation of founders. Reflecting on his experience, he noted:

    “Cyber Valley is a great initiative for emerging AI startups, especially because it is rooted in Tübingen’s world-renowned AI research scene and its talent pool.”

    Mirelo AI is continuing to expand its team and is actively recruiting talent to develop next-generation generative AI models for audio and video. Open positions are available on the company’s website: Mirelo.ai

    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 and Cyber Valley launch ‘Valley and Sunrise’

    UTokyo IPC and Cyber Valley launch ‘Valley and Sunrise’

    The Valley and Sunrise program originates from a strategic partnership between Cyber Valley, Europe’s leading center for excellence in AI and modern robotics, and UTokyo IPC, the venture investment arm of the University of Tokyo. It opens up UTokyo IPC’s academic and corporate networks to Cyber Valley start-ups, accelerating their market entry and commercialization in Japan and offering them a competitive advantage in global markets.

    Selected start-ups will receive:

    • Up to €50,000 in financial support for initial market entry.
    • Access to Japanese corporate executives, strategic investors, and regulatory expertise.
    • Customized Proof of Concept (PoC) partnerships with top-tier Japanese enterprises. 
    • Six months of personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance for successful market integration.

    Applications for Valley and Sunrise will be open from November 5 until December 5, 2025, with selected start-ups beginning the program in spring 2026. Up to two start-ups from the Cyber Valley Start-up Network will participate in the program. 

    Florian Mayer, Managing Director, Cyber Valley GmbH:

    ‘The Valley and Sunrise program offers German start-ups a unique opportunity to gain insights and connections in one of the world’s most advanced economies. The program encourages cross-border innovation between Germany and Japan, supporting deep-tech start-ups from the Cyber Valley ecosystem in Baden-Württemberg to thrive on a global scale.’

    Angelina Jukic, Program Manager, Cyber Valley GmbH:

    ‘This initiative has come to life through our close collaboration with UTokyo IPC. The Valley and Sunrise program turns our shared vision into reality – connecting German AI and robotics start-ups with Japan’s leading investors, corporates, and researchers, and strengthening collaboration between our two innovation ecosystems.’

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

    ‘Through our collaboration with Cyber Valley, we are building a truly global platform, empowering German start-ups not only to succeed in the Japanese market but also to thrive internationally. We envision a dynamic ecosystem where innovation seamlessly flows between Germany, Japan, and beyond, creating lasting global impact.’

    About UTokyo IPC

    UTokyo Innovation Platform Co., Ltd. (UTokyo IPC) is a venture capital firm wholly owned by the University of Tokyo, established in 2016 to strengthen Japan’s global industrial competitiveness through startup investment and ecosystem building.

    As a public–private venture capital firm, UTokyo IPC has invested in more than 80 university-affiliated startups and venture funds both in Japan and overseas.
    Beyond investment, UTokyo IPC operates the Startup Building Program, which supports the commercialization of research outcomes; 1stRound, Japan’s largest academia-linked accelerator; and DeepTech Dive, a program dedicated to cultivating deep-tech talent. In 2024, UTokyo IPC launched the ASA Fund under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s initiative to promote global collaboration and establish Japan as a hub for deep-tech innovation.

    About Cyber Valley

    Cyber Valley is Europe’s largest and leading center for excellence in artificial intelligence and modern robotics. Its mission and public mandate are to advocate for research, development, application, and acceptance of technologies and methods in intelligent systems. Cyber Valley encourages entrepreneurship by uniting scientific excellence with innovation and technology transfer. In addition, Cyber Valley facilitates critical reflection on the ethical and social implications of AI through public engagement. Cyber Valley envisions a future in which the full potential of intelligent systems is leveraged for the greater good of the world.  
     

    Media Contact

    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.