Accelerator

RISING

from AI Startup
to AI Scale-up

You are

an AI-centric startup

looking to scale-up sales

and internationalize?

Then get ready to RISE

Fourth batch application is open:

Apply until 13 of September

Program duration: October 2026 – January 2027

RISING

From AI Startup to AI Scale-up: Accelerator RISING is hessian.AI’s four-month program for advanced AI startups from Germany that build their own AI models — focused on sales scaling and internationalization, with the cohort trip to Slush in Helsinki as its centerpiece. Apply until 13 September!

RISING runs once a year and offers qualified support in all areas of the growth process, including workshops, coaching, targeted advice, a prize money of 10,000€ per team, support in public relations and recruitment, and networking with hessian.AI partners, mentors, and investors.

You get

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10k price money

Every chosen accelerator startup receives 10,000€ price money to spend freely.

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World class mentors

You’ll get access to world class startup and AI mentors from science and industry from the hessian.AI network.

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Exclusive workshops & trips abroad

Participate in two exclusive workshops and a trip abroad along with a prep-workshop, which are perfect opportunities designed for AI scape-ups looking to internationalize with a solid AI foundation. Find more details below.

Access to local AI Infrastructure in Darmstadt

Access to the unique high-performance AI infrastructure optimized for AI workloads at the Darmstadt site.

Apply until 13th of September

Workshop Modules

Scaling Sales
Coaching: tbd

Kick-off: tbd

This module helps AI startups formulate a robust sales strategy to scale their growth. It covers topics such as identifying target markets, developing a sales funnel, and effective sales techniques. The module also includes practical exercises and case studies.

Investment for AI Startups
Coaching: tbd

Kick-off: tbd

This module prepares AI startups for investment rounds during their growth phase. It covers topics such as understanding the investment landscape, preparing a compelling pitch, and negotiating with investors. The module also includes mock investment pitches.

Key Events

Kick-off Event

13 October 2026

This collaborative event with teams from the “Incubator Ignition” and “LAISF” serves as an opportunity for networking and collaboration. The event includes team introductions, keynote speeches, and networking sessions.

Slush Helsinki

18 and 19 November 2026
(Consider “Slush Week” due to pre-/after- and side events)

Slush brings together 12,000+ founders, investors, and media from over 70 countries for curated 1:1 meetings, top-tier speakers, and hundreds of side events. For startups, it’s the ideal stage to meet investors and build an international network.

IMPORTANT NOTE!

We recommend that startups also apply for Slush 100 – independently of the RISING accelerator.
If you make it into the accelerator program, you will receive a free ticket to Slush from us.