Next Frontier AI places a pointed question at the centre of the European technology debate: can Europe build its own frontier AI labs, rather than simply following developments in the United States and China? To support that goal, SPRIND is making €125 million in funding available through a challenge programme aimed at teams working on AI initiatives with the potential for major breakthroughs. Selected teams receive phased funding over a 24-month trajectory, with the ultimate aim of developing up to three European frontier AI labs. SPRIND will not receive shares or ownership in any companies that may emerge from the programme.

At the Amsterdam event, researchers, founders, investors, and AI talent from the Dutch ecosystem discussed Europe’s position in the current AI transformation. The conversation highlighted the continent’s strengths: world-class research, technical talent, strong institutional structures, and a collaboration-oriented innovation ecosystem. At the same time, a familiar challenge took centre stage: how can European talent reach the scale needed to achieve lasting technological independence.

LAB42 was the fitting venue for the event. As the University of Amsterdam’s hub for digital innovation and AI at Amsterdam Science Park, LAB42 brings together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and companies working at the intersection of science and real-world impact.