AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI
AIDEAS #1 – Ideen für zirkuläre Geschäftsmodelle (Circular AI Hub)
EUR 10,000 fixed payment for each of up to 10 teams to work out the idea (2 Nov to 19 Dec 2026), plus a pitch at the Circular AI Hub FORUM on 10 Nov 2026. Provided by Circular AI Hub (Federal Environment Ministry, BMUKN).
Key facts
- Amount
- EUR 10,000 fixed payment for each of up to 10 teams to work out the idea (2 Nov to 19 Dec 2026), plus a pitch at the Circular AI Hub FORUM on 10 Nov 2026
- Duration
- 7 weeks
- Type
- Prize
- Who receives it
- Founder or team
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Prototype, Pre-revenue, Revenue
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Individuals must live in Germany
Who can apply
- Natural persons may apply, so no company is needed
- The concept must use AI for a circular-economy problem (reuse, repair, resale, recycling)
- The work must not already be publicly funded
- Ends with a 5-10 page report in December 2026
What usually blocks applicants
- No AI element in the idea
- Idea already funded by another public program
Why founders miss it
A brand-new federal call that pays individuals, not only companies, and closes four weeks after launch.
Deadline and timing
Next deadline: 16 October 2026
Apply by 16 Oct 2026 (first AIDEAS round; opened 16 Sep 2026).
Frequently asked
How much does AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI pay?
EUR 10,000 fixed payment for each of up to 10 teams to work out the idea (2 Nov to 19 Dec 2026), plus a pitch at the Circular AI Hub FORUM on 10 Nov 2026
Who can apply for AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI?
Natural persons may apply, so no company is needed The concept must use AI for a circular-economy problem (reuse, repair, resale, recycling) The work must not already be publicly funded Ends with a 5-10 page report in December 2026
When is the AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI deadline?
Apply by 16 Oct 2026 (first AIDEAS round; opened 16 Sep 2026).
Where do I apply for AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI?
On the official page: https://circular-ai-hub.org/aideas. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for AIDEAS: circular business ideas with AI?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 9 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
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