Next Frontier Robotics @ETH Zurich
Next Frontier Robotics: Europe's Challenge for the next leap in multi-purpose robotics.
SPRIND's Next Frontier Robotics Challenge backs exceptional teams with moonshot approaches that deliver true capability leaps in robotics. Teams can receive up to €7.2 million in non-dilutive funding across four stages. Together, we are building a modular, interoperable European robotics ecosystem ready for the complexity of real-world tasks.
The ETH AI Center hosting this event promotes entrepreneurship to bridge the gap between research and innovation in society and bring science-based innovation into real world application.
This event is an open, interactive format: Learn more about the Challenge, discuss if your proposal is a good fit, and connect with others shaping the future of robotics.
Agenda:
16:00 – 17:30: Presentation and Q&A
17:30 – 18:30: Individual 1-on-1 Sessions (Requires Approval. Indicate interest with Luma registration).
Who should attend
Ambitious robotics builders, founders, and researchers—anyone who believes Europe can lead the next frontier in robotics. Join us if you are:
Ready to apply: You’re certain you’re submitting and want to sharpen your proposal before the October 22 deadline.
Deciding your path: You’re on the fence and want to evaluate whether this program is right for you.
Choosing a track: You’re developing an integrated platform (Track 1) or a breakthrough hardware component (Track 2) and need clarity on where you fit.
Building a team: You have strong research or a big idea and are looking for talent to round out your crew.
Testing the waters: You’re at an established robotics company or lab, asking yourself, "Could I build this myself?"
Enabling the ecosystem: You’re an investor, professor, industry partner, or network leader interested to join our advocates program.
Note: Attendance is by application. Space is limited and we're curating for fit.
What's on the agenda
Detailed overview of the Challenge and why join.
Open Q&A to ask us anything.
Networking and 1:1 time with team. Questions about your application, your use case, the fine print? We're excited to talk.
Pressure-test your approach. Not a pitch. Not a spotlight. Just an open table for real feedback on your thinking.
Food and drinks throughout.
Questions?
Find out more on our website: https://www.sprind.org/en/actions/challenges/next-frontier-robotics
Contact: challenge@sprind.org
Next Frontier Robotics is run by SPRIND, Germany's Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, with support from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) under the High-Tech Agenda Germany. SPRIND deploys capital to pursue breakthroughs others won't risk.