Free, Short-Term AI Support for Exploration, Feasibility, and Early Prototyping
Small Projects are the entry point to BRAIN++. They are lightweight, clearly scoped, and designed to help you test an AI idea, validate a concept, or prepare for a larger programme.
Lightweight support for early AI exploration
Small Projects, also referred to as Services, are designed for applicants who want to explore an AI idea, test feasibility, build a small prototype, validate a concept, or understand whether a larger project is possible.
They are intentionally lightweight. They require a clearly scoped objective, a short execution window, and modest use of compute and expert time. Typical duration is from a few days up to one week.
Suitable applicants
Small Projects are open to a wide range of eligible individuals and organisations.
Startups & SMEs
Startups testing an early AI concept and SMEs exploring AI adoption.
Research Teams
Research teams validating applied feasibility and academic teams working on innovation projects.
Public & Civic Actors
Public sector bodies exploring AI use cases and NGOs investigating AI-enabled public value.
Support available through Small Projects
- Limited GPU access
- AI consultancy
- Technical advisory sessions
- Problem scoping
- Architecture review
- Data strategy consultation
- Access to selected AI tools and workflows
- Short-term data staging or preprocessing support
- Training or workshop participation
- Co-working access at Sofia Tech Park
No heavy governance overhead
- Commercialisation roadmap
- Detailed KPIs
- Structured milestone governance
- Stage-gate reviews
- Long-term reporting
- Investment participation
Always free, with a clear minimum score
Small Projects are always free of charge for all eligible applicants.
No economic participation instrument is ever attached to a Small Project. This means no equity, no SAFE, no revenue sharing, no success fee, and no other financial participation mechanism.
Minimum score
Small Projects require a minimum score of 60 points, subject to eligibility and compliance requirements.
Ready to test your AI idea?
Apply for a Small Project if you want to test whether your AI idea is technically feasible, explore the use of AI infrastructure, or receive early expert guidance before committing to a larger programme.
Apply for a Small Project
Contact the BRAIN++ team to discuss your idea and find out whether a Small Project is the right starting point.