Call for applications: SPRIND launches Next Frontier Robotics Challenge

Without breakthroughs of our own, we risk critical dependencies. That‘s why SPRIND is launching Next Frontier Robotics – a €90m challenge to build a modular, interoperable European robotics ecosystem for complex physical work such as in logistics, maintenance, and construction. We have the experience and the best talent in mechanical engineering, precision mechanics, automation, precision manufacturing, and computer science to shape the next era of robotics from Europe – and keep safety and sovereignty in European hands.

The goal

Develop full-stack robot platforms that handle complex physical tasks in real environments or novel robotic hardware components with breakthrough capabilities.

What's in it for you

• Up to €7.2 million in non-dilutive funding per team across 4 stages (36 months total) – with potential follow-on funding for the most successful
• Venture development support, coaching, and direct access to potential customers, investors, and industry partners
• Join a community of world-class teams working at the forefront of robotics

Who should apply

Visionary innovators from all domains: individuals, startups, research institutions and established companies located in the EU, EFTA or UK. You should ideally already be incorporated, or have a clear plan to get there. You can appply via two tracks: 

Track 1 Integrated Platforms challenges teams to develop full-stack robotic systems that orchestrate hardware, software and AI to master real-world use-cases autonomously.

Track 2 Hardware Components focuses on modular hardware components such as gripping systems, artificial skin or tactile sensors that deliver a radical performance leap over the state of the art.
 

Interested? 

The call is open until October 22, 2026.

Apply now: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges/next-frontier-robotics

To introduce the SPRIND challenge as well as the team behind the scenes and to answer any open questions,  SPRIND is hosting Roadshows in Tübingen (Cyber Valley), Munich (TUM),  Zurich (ETH). Learn more: https://luma.com/Next-Frontier-Robotics.