Small Projects

Free, Short-Term AI Support for Exploration, Feasibility, and Early Prototyping

Small Projects, also referred to as Services, are the entry point to BRAIN++. They 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.

Small Projects 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.

Who Should Apply

Small Projects are suitable for:

  • Startups testing an early AI concept
  • SMEs exploring AI adoption
  • Research teams validating applied feasibility
  • Public sector bodies exploring AI use cases
  • NGOs investigating AI-enabled public value
  • Students or academic teams working on innovation projects
  • Individual innovators with eligible AI ideas

What Small Projects Can Include

Small Projects may include:

  • 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

What Small Projects Do Not Require

Small Projects do not require:

  • Commercialisation roadmap
  • Detailed KPIs
  • Structured milestone governance
  • Stage-gate reviews
  • Long-term reporting
  • Investment participation

Cost

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.

Call to Action

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.