Funding for innovative AI projects - Helmholtz AI Projects 2026 Call
Helmholtz Association funds cross-center, high-risk AI and machine learning research projects to foster innovative scientific breakthroughs.
Funder: Helmholtz Association
Due Dates: November 12, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to €250,000 from Helmholtz INF plus at least equal matching funds from participating centers; project duration up to 3 years.
Summary: Supports innovative, high-risk, cross-disciplinary AI and machine learning projects led by Helmholtz researchers in collaboration across centers.
Key Information: At least two Helmholtz centers must jointly apply; matching funds required.
Description
This call from the Helmholtz Association aims to catalyze pioneering research in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) through collaborative, cross-center projects. The program is designed to foster creativity, encourage high-risk/high-gain approaches, and stimulate new partnerships—both within the Helmholtz Association and with external partners (academic, non-profit, or industry). The initiative seeks projects that address cross-center AI/ML challenges, develop novel methods or tools, and have the potential to seed larger, follow-up research efforts.
