Written by Application Deadline: Ongoing
Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowship. The Heilbronn AI Fellowship attracts outstanding international postdoctoral researchers to Heilbronn’s rapidly growing AI ecosystem. The programme supports cutting-edge AI research at institutions on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn and across the broader innovation network. Fellows benefit from a unique environment that combines academic excellence, industry collaboration, advanced digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Beyond research, the programme encourages technology transfer, real-world applications, and engagement with innovation and startup ecosystems.
By connecting global talent with leading research, industry, and innovation partners, the fellowship strengthens Heilbronn’s position as a leading European hub for AI research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Requirements
- International PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers who obtained a PhD/doctorate no more than five years ago. PhD candidates should be in the final year before their dissertation defense.
- Applicants should have a strong academic background in Artificial Intelligence or a related field, be affiliated with a university or non-university research institution, and plan to undertake a research project at an eligible host institution in Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
Funding
The programme provides funding for a research stay in Artificial Intelligence or related fields at eligible host institutions in Heilbronn. Fellows become part of a dynamic AI ecosystem that combines world-class research, industry collabora-tion, advanced digital infrastructure, and opportunities for innovation, technol-ogy transfer, and entrepreneurship. The programme enables researchers to advance scientific knowledge while contributing to the development of AI-driven solutions with real-world impact.
The research stay can be carried out at any of the following universities or re-search institutions located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn:
- DHBW Center for Advanced Studies,
- DHBW Heilbronn (Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University),
- Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute,
- Fraunhofer HNFIZ,
- Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN) – HHN,
- Technical University of Munich (TUM) Campus Heilbronn,
- Max Planck Institute -Heilbronn,
- Campus Founders.
Duration of the funding
Funding is provided for research stays from 1 to 12 months.
Funding for the fellowship programme is available until the end of the pro-gramme’s funding period.
The Fellowship cannot be extended. Special circumstances may be considered on an individual basis.
Value
The fellowship includes the following financial benefits:
- a monthly fellowship instalment of 2,800 Euros
- payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
- a lump sum towards international travel costs
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowship