hessian.AI Accelerator RISING 2026
A four month program for five AI startups from Germany with 10,000 euro in prize money each, coaching, investor contacts and compute in Darmstadt. Applications close on September 13, 2026.
hessian.AI has opened applications for Accelerator RISING 2026. Five teams will be selected. Each selected team receives 10,000 euro in prize money, which can be used freely.
The program is for advanced AI startups based in Germany that develop their own AI models and are prepared for the growth stage. hessian.AI is looking for companies that are ready to scale sales and expand internationally.
The program runs from October 2026 to January 2027. It includes two workshops on sales and investment strategy, ongoing coaching, access to mentors, investor connections and corporate partnerships. Teams also get access to AI compute infrastructure in Darmstadt, PR support and a cohort trip to the Slush conference in Helsinki on November 18 and 19, 2026.
Applications are submitted through the program page. The deadline is September 13, 2026 at 11:59 pm CEST.