LLM-BRIDGE - OC#2 for Incubators
Funding for an incubator to deliver a 12-week programme supporting at least 30 European startups developing Generative AI and Large Language Model solutions.
TYPE OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED: Design and delivery of a 12-week incubation programme supporting at least 30 early-stage startups developing Generative AI (GenAI) and Large Language Model (LLM) solutions. Funded activities include mentoring, entrepreneurial training, business development, access to technical resources, regulatory and ethical guidance, startup performance monitoring, networking and organisation of a Demo Day.
SECTORS / DOMAIN: Generative AI, Large Language Models, digital technologies and deep-tech startup incubation. The programme supports AI-driven innovation and commercialisation across sectors.
INDIVIDUAL OR CONSORTIUM: The call selects one incubator or equivalent eligible organisation to implement the programme. Whether consortium applications are permitted is not specified in the call guidelines.
SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be legally established in an EU Member State or a country associated with the Digital Europe Programme; have at least three years of startup incubation experience, including demonstrable experience with deep-tech startups; and demonstrate sufficient operational and financial capacity, qualified mentors, networks and digital infrastructure. Applicants must comply with applicable EU data-protection, ethics and funding requirements, avoid double funding, submit one complete proposal in English using the official template and deliver the programme in English. Organisations already selected to deliver another LLM-BRIDGE incubation cohort are ineligible.
SPECIFIC TOPICS OR CHALLENGES: Incubation of early-stage LLM and GenAI ventures, focusing on business and technical validation, commercialisation, fundraising readiness, responsible AI, regulatory compliance and access to relevant technical infrastructures. The incubator must support at least 30 startups and meet the programme's reporting and performance requirements, while encouraging cross-border participation and inclusion.
PROJECTS DURATION: One 12-week incubation cycle, scheduled to begin in March 2027.
BUDGET, FUNDING RATES AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS:
Funding rate: Funding is provided as a fixed lump-sum contribution.
Budget conditions / limitations: Up to €60,000 for one selected incubator. The contribution may cover staff, mentoring, management, travel, communication and reporting costs necessary for programme delivery. No additional or indirect cost reimbursement is provided. Travel and accommodation costs of the 30 participating startups are not covered.
Payments: Two performance-based instalments: 40% following contract signature and approval of the implementation and onboarding plan, including delivery of the onboarding plan; and 60% following acceptance of the final report, verification that at least 30 startups have been incubated, achievement of at least seven of the eight other performance indicators, and fulfilment of mandatory compliance requirements.
Links
Closes
28/11/2026
Max funding per project
60.000€