Deadline: September 30, 2025
Are you a founder of a science- or technology-based startup working with artificial intelligence or quantum computing? The highly anticipated CDL‑San Sebastián AI for Startups 2025 programme is now accepting applications! This unique initiative blends structured mentorship, cutting-edge technology, and a global network to help early-stage ventures build something that lasts.
Whether you’re pioneering natural language processing (NLP), developing multilingual models, or harnessing quantum power, this programme offers the resources and network to scale.
About CDL‑San Sebastián AI for Startups 2025
Launching in September 2025, CDL‑San Sebastián AI for Startups 2025 is the newest regional edition of the globally renowned Creative Destruction Lab (CDL).
Hosted in the vibrant Euskadi Technology Park in the Tandem Building (San Sebastián, Spain), this edition focuses on:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – especially in areas such as natural language processing (NLP) and multilingual technologies
- Quantum computing – in collaboration with CDL’s Quantum stream
This programme is specifically designed to commercialise deep-tech innovations and support startups working on high-impact, scalable technology.
Why San Sebastián?
San Sebastián is becoming a leading European hub for language technologies and computational linguistics, making it the perfect home for this AI-focused stream. The region’s ecosystem offers:
- Strong academic and research foundations
- A growing network of industry partners
- Europe’s first IBM Quantum System Two, housed at the IBM–Euskadi Quantum Computational Centre
Startups accepted into the programme will benefit from proximity to groundbreaking research and a high-density innovation environment.
Programme Benefits
Participating in CDL‑San Sebastián AI for Startups 2025 provides:
- Objective-based mentorship from world-class entrepreneurs, scientists, and investors
- No equity fees – CDL takes no ownership in participating ventures
- Access to a global network of mentors and venture capital partners
- Structured support over multiple in-person and virtual sessions
- Exposure to the Quantum stream, boosting tech applications at the frontier
Eligibility Criteria
CDL targets early-stage, science- and technology-based startups that are:
- Working on artificial intelligence, NLP, language models, or quantum applications
- Ready to build scalable, impactful products or services
- Seeking guidance, network access, and strategic growth
Startups do not need to be incorporated in Spain or the EU to apply, making this a global opportunity.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2025, 11:59 PM ET
- Programme Launch: September 2025 (in-person sessions begin at the Tandem building)
Apply Now or Learn More
This is a golden opportunity for founders looking to take their AI or quantum-focused startup to the next level. Don’t miss your chance to join a community of bold innovators building the future.
Need help crafting a strong application?
📩 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review support.
