The IPAI Foundation Science Residency (AI Fellowship 2026) is one of Europe’s most competitive and forward-looking programs for researchers who want to transform advanced AI research into real-world impact. Hosted in Heilbronn, Germany, this one-year, full-time residency provides an exceptional blend of high-level funding, a world-class research environment, direct access to industry and policy experts, and the freedom for fellows to define their own research direction. The fellowship is ideal for scientists who have already progressed significantly in their AI-related research and now seek to convert their ideas into tangible solutions that benefit society.

The 2026 cycle offers a rare opportunity for selected fellows to work with cutting-edge AI tools, high-performance computing resources, specialized laboratories, and an interdisciplinary network shaping the future of artificial intelligence globally.

About the IPAI Foundation

The Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) in Heilbronn is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s leading AI ecosystems. Built on collaboration between academia, industry, and public institutions, IPAI offers a unique research environment where scientists have access to:

• High-performance computing infrastructure
• Specialized AI laboratories
• Extensive networks across science, policy, and industry
• A vibrant innovation community of more than 60 partners

It serves as a hub for researchers who want to push forward meaningful and socially relevant developments in AI—from machine learning and robotics to AI policy, psychology, ethics, and applied sciences.

Overview of IPAI Foundation AI Fellowship 2026

Field	Details
Fellowship Name	IPAI Foundation Science Residency – AI Fellowship 2026
Host Organization	IPAI Foundation, Heilbronn, Germany
Program Type	Full-time, one-year science residency
Funding	Attractive full-time salary (€88,200/year) + up to €200,000 research budget
Eligibility	PhD or 3+ years of AI-related research experience
Key Benefits	Salary, research budget, infrastructure, mentoring, relocation support
Application Opening	November 03, 2025
Deadline	January 04, 2026
Location	Heilbronn, Germany

Benefits of the Fellowship 

The fellowship stands out due to its unique combination of financial support, infrastructure, professional mentoring, and long-term community connections. Key benefits include:

• Full-time employment with a competitive salary (€88,200/year).
• Up to €200,000 research budget covering infrastructure, travel, conferences, prototyping, and experiments.
• Relocation and family support, including visa assistance and administrative help.
• Access to cutting-edge AI tools, high-performance computing, laboratories, and the IPAI Playground.
• Personalized mentoring, including academic guidance, commercialization support, leadership coaching, and business model development.
• Connections with top AI experts, founders, policymakers, and industry partners.
• Participation in user circles on LLMs, RAG, MLOps, agents, and data ecosystems.
• Long-term alumni network offering future collaborations and career opportunities.
• Co-working spaces, modern infrastructure, and a highly collaborative environment at IPAI SPACES.

Eligibility Criteria for the 2026 AI Fellowship

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A PhD, or a minimum of three years of AI-related research experience.
• A strong publication or project record demonstrating high-level research in AI or related fields.
• Backgrounds may include computer science, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, psychology, or interdisciplinary areas.
• A commitment to producing a publicly accessible research paper by the end of residency.
• A project idea with clear potential for real-world application or societal impact.
• Willingness to work full-time in Heilbronn for one year.
• Motivation to collaborate across academia, industry, policy, and technology sectors.
• Ability to propose a feasible research project requiring advanced infrastructure and mentorship.

Application Process

The IPAI Foundation follows a three-stage selection process:

• Step 1 – Online Application: Submit all required documents through the application portal
  • Required documents:
  • CV with publications, awards, and research highlights
  • Project proposal outlining infrastructure needs, budget, and application potential
  • Certificates and reference letters
  • Proof of research experience
• Step 2 – Pitch Session: Shortlisted applicants will:
  • Present their project to a panel of experts
  • Discuss research vision, societal relevance, and feasibility
  • Demonstrate how the residency will support their work
• Step 3 – Selection & Matching: Final selections are based on:
  • Research strength
  • Potential for impact
  • Clarity and feasibility of project proposal
  • Alignment with IPAI facilities, mentors, and community

Successful candidates will then be matched with relevant partners, mentors, and technical infrastructure.

Comparison of How IPAI AI Fellowship Differs from Similar Opportunities

Feature	IPAI AI Fellowship	Google PhD Fellowship	Meta AI Research Fellowship
Funding	Salary + up to €200,000 research budget	Tuition + stipend	Full stipend + travel
Residency	Full-time in Germany	No residency requirement	No residency requirement
Research Freedom	Full autonomy, applicant defines topic	Focused on Google-related research	Focused on Meta research areas
Infrastructure	Access to labs, GPUs, AI tools	Limited	Moderate
Networking	Academia + industry + policy	Mostly academic	Mostly technical
Outcome Required	Publish public-facing research paper	Academic research	Academic/industry publications

FAQs About IPAI Foundation AI Fellowship 2026

1. Is the IPAI Fellowship fully funded? Yes. Fellows receive an annual salary plus a research budget of up to €200,000.
2. Do I need a PhD to apply? No. Applicants with at least three years of AI-related research experience are eligible.
3. Can applicants from any country apply? Yes. The program is open to researchers worldwide.
4. Is relocation to Germany mandatory? Yes. Fellows must live in Heilbronn for the full duration of the program.
5. What fields of research are accepted? Any AI-related discipline including engineering, social sciences, medicine, public policy, psychology, and applied sciences.
6. Is there an application fee? No. The entire application process is free.
7. Do I need industry experience? Not mandatory, but relevant experience strengthens your application.
8. What is the pitch session? A short presentation where applicants describe their project to a panel of experts.
9. Do I need a supervisor before applying? No. Matching with mentors happens after selection.
10. What outcomes are expected at the end of residency? A research paper accessible to the general public and practical outputs such as prototypes or application models.

If you aim to transform advanced AI research into real-world solutions while working in one of Europe’s most innovative ecosystems, the IPAI AI Fellowship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity. Prepare your documents early, structure your project proposal carefully, and make sure your idea highlights both scientific potential and societal value. APPLY NOW. Visit the official website for further details.

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