Three intensive weekends.
Three leading AI hubs.

Deep collaboration with fellow researchers who share your drive to solve problems that matter.

February 26. & 27.
Munich: Understanding the Problem

→ Connect with people facing challenges your research could address. Explore where your work could create meaningful change. Frame impact beyond your research to improve the status quo for society.

March 26. & 27.
Zurich: Understanding Solutions

→ Prototype tangible applications of your research. Test ideas with real-world collaborators. Document your approach and findings. Iterate rapidly on what works and what doesn't. Find your frontier lab.

April 23. & 24.
Tübingen: Your Frontier Lab

→ Deploy your work where it can make a difference. Build partnerships with organizations tackling real challenges and find your first funding. Share your journey and findings with the research community.

What You'll Ship

A real usable product inside a network of equally ambitious PhDs across Munich, Tübingen, and Zürich.

Real-World Validation

Product with real leads (not just family and classmates)

Frontier Technology

Your technology can change the world. Find out where it makes the biggest difference.

Open-source Repo

To work with your technology and code in public or in private

Elias Exposure

Expose your work in the Elias network and find the smartest people to work with you.

Validated Problem

And a story to attract employees, investors, customers and others.

Intros to Funding

Build a Frontier Lab and get up to 125M€ in funding by SPRIND.

"You bring the ambition and the motivation, we bring all the support you need. Building an organization is trivial, and it's the perfect time to start. There is no reason why you should not build something that will surpass Google."

Dr. Bastian Burger

Lecturer Venture Sprint

Why Choose Tri-State Venture Sprint?

Join the ranks of pioneering researchers who have transformed their PhD explorations into tangible AI solutions. Our program offers you a comprehensive journey from ideation to product launch, with network support.

Top AI-researchers

Cities, One Goal

>20%

Founding Rate

Are you up to it?

You must be a PhD candidate, researcher, or Post-Doc at ETH AI Center, MCML, or the Tübingen AI Center to qualify.

Apply Now

High Ambitions

You want to make an impact with your research. You want to build something that can be huge. You know that your future will be shaped through your actions.

Time Availability

You can realistically at least commit 6-10 hours per week over the course of the three months to get the most out of it. More is better.

Real Insights

You have knowledge, access, or a developed research insight that could solve a real problem for society or a larger community.

Mission Driven

You have a real mission to change the world. Your technology is real and can be built into something that changes the world.

Open Mind

You are open to a different way of thinking and getting your ideas challenged. Changing plans with good arguments is something you feel comfortable with.

Ship it

You will publish products to the world and talk about them. You will build something that people want to pay you for. You will happily accept their offers and have a paid product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about the Ship Frontier AI Research program, including application details, timelines, and success metrics.

What kind of research projects are eligible?

We accept projects focused on AI and data science that have a strong potential for real-world application. You should demonstrate clear research outcomes and potential user benefits.

How does the application process work?

The application process involves an online form, detailing your ambitions and goals. Selected candidates will be invited the seminar.

I'm not done with my PhD research. Can I still apply?

Yes. This is about translating existing insights, not waiting for perfection. If you have a promising research direction, that's enough.

Do I need to commit to founding a startup?

No. Some participants will spin out companies. Others will return to academia with deployed systems. Both are wins.

What if my advisor doesn't approve?

We've worked with dozens of PIs. Most are supportive when they see the translational outcomes (repos, papers, industry partnerships). We can help frame this.

Can I apply solo or do I need a team?

You can apply solo. We'll help form cross-institution teams during the first on-site. We are very open to team applications though.

Will I get support for the travel expenses?

We cannot help you centrally with the travel reimbursements, unfortunately. Please ask your host institution or chair if they can cover parts of it.

Will this delay my publications?

Look at the conference deadlines in the appendix. Most major AI conferences don't conflict. Plus, deployed systems make for stronger papers.

From Frontier Research to Real-World Impact.

You're Building Breakthrough AI

Three intensive weekends.
Three leading AI hubs.

February 26. & 27.
Munich: Understanding the Problem

March 26. & 27.
Zurich: Understanding Solutions