Liftoff Founders Week 2026: Funded to London with £1,000 Stipend

Applications are now open for the Liftoff Founders Week 2026. This program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring founders to spend five days in London, connecting with at least 30 founders, research leads, and operators. The goal is to help participants find co-founders, develop an idea into a concrete plan, and prepare to pitch it to funders.

Application Closing Date: October 12, 2026
Location: London, UK
Programme Duration: 5 days
Stipend: £1,000
Minimum Qualification: Not specified (experience in relevant fields preferred)
Opportunity Type: Founders Week / Accelerator Program

About the Liftoff Founders Week 2026

Liftoff Founders Week is an initiative by Project Tailwind, a call from Coefficient Giving for founders to start ambitious AI safety projects. This program is designed to help individuals launch these projects by providing a structured environment to shape ideas, test them with experienced professionals, and leave with a clear roadmap for development. It focuses on the critical early stages of building a startup in the AI safety sector.

The program aims to foster innovation in AI safety by connecting promising individuals with the resources and mentorship needed to succeed. Participants will gain valuable insights from seasoned founders, researchers, and grantmakers who will offer guidance and feedback. This intensive week is geared towards turning innovative concepts into actionable plans ready for funding.

About Coefficient Giving and Project Tailwind

Coefficient Giving, through its Project Tailwind initiative, is dedicated to supporting the development of AI safety projects. They offer pre-seed grants ranging from $200,000 to $2,000,000 to encourage the creation of new ventures in this critical field. Liftoff Founders Week is a key component of this effort, providing a launchpad for these ambitious projects.

The organization focuses on problems that are currently unaddressed or overlooked within the AI safety landscape. By investing in founders and their ideas, Coefficient Giving aims to accelerate progress and ensure the responsible development of artificial intelligence. Their support extends beyond the initial week, offering further assistance to promising teams.

What the Liftoff Founders Week Offers

Successful applicants will benefit from a range of valuable resources and opportunities designed to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey. The program emphasizes building connections and providing practical support for developing new ventures.

• Co-founders: You will be introduced to individuals who share similar interests in building within the AI safety space. This can lead to forming a founding team of 2-4 people or working independently on your own idea.
• Time with Founders and Funders: Experienced founders, researchers, and grantmakers will be available throughout the week. They will hold office hours and provide feedback on your pitches, helping you refine your ideas and presentation.
• £1,000 Stipend and Covered Costs: Participants will receive a £1,000 stipend to support them during the program. All travel expenses to London and accommodation for the week will also be covered.
• Support After the Week: Promising teams will receive up to four weeks of additional support from LISA to help them develop a full proposal. Everyone will leave with a clearer understanding of their project and a network of contacts in AI safety.

Programme Duration and Location

The Liftoff Founders Week program will take place over five intensive days in London, United Kingdom. This immersive experience is designed to maximize interaction and learning within a short period.

Minimum Requirements

While a finished idea or a co-founder is not required to apply, the program seeks individuals with a strong potential to contribute to AI safety initiatives. They are looking for a combination of experience and a clear motivation to build something new.

• Track Record: Experience in AI safety or related fields, such as research, policy, or fieldbuilding, is highly valued.
• Things You Have Built: Evidence of starting or running an organization, program, product, or research agenda is important. Founder and operations experience are considered significant assets.
• Reason to Build: Applicants should be able to articulate a clear motivation for starting a new venture rather than joining an existing organization.

Competencies Required

The program is looking for individuals who demonstrate initiative and possess skills relevant to building and leading new ventures. A proactive attitude and a commitment to the field of AI safety are key.

• Strong interest in AI safety.
• Proven ability to start and lead projects.
• Experience in research, operations, or founding organizations.
• Clear vision for contributing to AI safety.
• Willingness to collaborate and seek feedback.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about AI safety and are looking to take the first steps in launching their own ventures. It is suitable for those who have a background in relevant fields and are driven to make a significant impact.

This opportunity is designed for founders who have prior experience building organizations or products, research leads with a strong background in AI safety, and operators with essential skills in areas like operations or communications. If you have a compelling reason to start something new in AI safety, this program can provide the support you need.

Required Documents

Applicants should be prepared to provide information that demonstrates their suitability for the program. While specific documents are not listed, it is advisable to have details ready about your past experiences and your motivations.

Applicants should prepare to provide information regarding their track record, any organizations or projects they have started, and their reasons for wanting to build a new venture in AI safety. It is also recommended to have a current CV or resume available.

How to Apply

Interested individuals can apply for the Liftoff Founders Week 2026 through the provided application portal. Ensure all information submitted is accurate and complete.

Click here to apply for Liftoff Founders Week 2026

For more detailed information about the program and the organization, visit the official Liftoff Accelerator website.

Important Notes

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants should ensure they meet the criteria and submit their applications before the closing date. The program aims to support promising individuals and teams in the AI safety sector.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the Liftoff Founders Week 2026 is October 12, 2026. It is advised to submit your application well before this date.

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