Your Challenge:
Composite Learning

AI is revolutionizing industries like healthcare, finance, and automotive, but only the biggest players have the resources to develop the most powerful models. High-performance training still depends on costly, centralized data centers, limiting access for SMEs and startups—especially in Germany and Europe, where advanced computing resources lag behind.

Composite Learning combines distributed, decentralized and federated learning, offering a new approach to AI and allowing models to be trained across diverse systems without the need of centralized data centers. This method lets organizations collaborate and train models securely, preserving data privacy and making cutting-edge AI accessible to more companies. However, new solutions are needed to overcome the limitations of today’s systems, such as a lack of compatibility between different devices, communication bottlenecks, and reliance on central update servers.

The SPRIND Challenge spans 30 months over three stages. A jury of distinguished experts will assist SPRIND in evaluating the applications and choosing up to ten teams to participate in Stage 1.

SPRIND provides substantial, tailored support throughout each phase of the challenge, including financial backing and direct access to a network of experts and potential collaborators. For Stage 1, teams may receive up to EUR 530,000 (plus VAT), with funding based on each team’s projected costs. After each stage, the jury will review interim results, evaluating which teams display the strongest potential for transformative innovation. Up to seven teams will advance to Stage 2, with funding of up to EUR 520,000 (plus VAT) per team. For those moving into Stage 3, SPRIND will provide up to EUR 600,000 (plus VAT) to support further development and implementation.

On January 29 and 30, 2026, the expert jury selected four teams for stage 2. Stage 2 will run until the next jury session at the end of October 2026.