One week to turn an AI safety idea into a fundable proposal.
Founders Week is a five-day accelerator at LISA in London. About 30 people form teams of 2–4, scope an idea from Project Tailwind, and pitch it to Coefficient Giving grantmakers on the Thursday.
A programme by Pivotal Research, LISA and Coefficient Giving.
- When
- 26–30 October 2026
- Where
- LISA, London. In person.
- Applications close
- 5 October 2026
- Teams
- 2–4 people, matched by idea
- Places
- About 30
- Cost
- Free. Travel and accommodation support: details to follow.
How the week works
Before the week, you read Project Tailwind and apply with one or two ideas you want to work on. We match you into a team of 2–4 people with related ideas. Then:
- MondayKick-off. A deep dive into Tailwind and what Coefficient Giving wants to fund. You meet other potential funders.
- Tuesday and WednesdayScoping. Your team settles the theory of change, the first 12 months, the budget, the team, and why you are the right people. Mentors and Coefficient Giving hold office hours.
- ThursdayPitch. A 10-minute pitch chat with Coefficient Giving grantmakers. You get written feedback the same day.
- FridayIterate. You work the feedback in and decide who continues. Closing session.
- After the weekFull proposal. Teams that Coefficient Giving flags as promising get 2–4 weeks and light support from Pivotal (feedback, introductions, a bit of runway) to write a full proposal. Everyone else leaves with a scoped idea and a network.
Who should apply
Founders
You have built or run something: an organisation, a programme, a product, a research agenda. You could start something concrete again.
Research leads
You have a track record in AI safety or an adjacent field, such as policy or field-building, and you could lead a larger research effort.
Founding-team contributors
You are exceptional at something a new organisation needs, such as operations or field-building, and you could join a founding team.
Selection is fast and light: a form that takes under 30 minutes, and a 20-minute call for borderline cases. The week itself is the real filter.
What to expect
Most teams will not be funded. Founders Week is for scoping an idea, not a funding guarantee. One or two strong organisations coming out of the week would make it worthwhile.
- Coefficient Giving grantmakers in the room, and written feedback on your pitch
- Mentors on call for office hours: experienced founders and researchers
- A team matched to your idea before you arrive
- A scoped proposal and the people to build it with
Questions
What is Project Tailwind?
Coefficient Giving's call for founders to launch ambitious new AI safety initiatives, with pre-seed and seed funding. It lists dozens of concrete ideas for organisations they would like to fund. Read the call.
Do I need my own idea?
No. You apply with one or two ideas you want to work on. They can come from the Tailwind list or be your own. We form teams by idea cluster.
How are teams formed?
We match you into a team of 2–4 people before the week, based on the ideas you applied with. Teams can adjust on Monday and Tuesday once you have met.
What does Coefficient Giving commit to?
Grantmakers are present for the pitch chats on Thursday, every team gets written feedback, and teams they like get a route to submit a full proposal.
What does it cost?
Nothing to attend. We are finalising travel and accommodation support and will confirm the details before applications close.
Can I take part remotely?
No. The week runs in person at LISA in London, from Monday to Friday.
What if my team is not selected to continue?
You leave with a scoped idea, feedback from grantmakers, and a network of people working on the same problems. You can still apply to Tailwind directly.
Who runs Founders Week?
Pivotal Research runs selection, programming and logistics. LISA hosts the week. Coefficient Giving provides the grantmakers and the feedback.
Ready to apply?
The form takes under 30 minutes. Applications close on 5 October 2026 and we send decisions by 9 October.