Renaissance Philanthropy and SPRIND Partner on Big if True Science Accelerator
This is Renaissance Philanthropy’s second partnership with a government research agency to identify and develop the next generation of co-ordinated research program leaders.
We are excited to announce a new partnership with SPRIND, Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, to launch a new cohort of the Big if True Science Accelerator program, to train the next generation of visionary research leaders. This builds on the success of the first BiTS cohort that was launched as part of our Activation Partnership with the UK’s Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA).
While history's most transformative technologies - from the internet to mRNA vaccines to autonomous vehicles - emerged from government-supported coordinated research programs, there has historically been no systematic pathway for technical visionaries to develop the leadership skills needed to design and execute such ambitious initiatives.
The BiTS Accelerator supports the world’s most talented scientists and technologists to develop ambitious co-ordinated research programs. In partnership with SPRIND, we’re excited to help catalyze breakthroughs across Europe.
The Big if True Science Accelerator x SPRIND
The pilot program will work with 8-10 exceptional scientists and technologists through an intensive 13-week, 10-hour-per-week accelerator designed around 1:1 mentorship from experienced program leaders. Participants will develop detailed plans to transform entire technological fields, guided by leaders who have programmed hundreds of millions of dollars in breakthrough research.
The accelerator curriculum distills decades of experience from successful research program leadership, walking participants through every stage from field exploration to technology transition - transforming high-level ideas into concrete, fundable plans ready for implementation.
Proven Track Record Meets European Excellence
The Big if True Science Accelerator model has been validated through a successful pilot in the UK with ARIA that will be scaled further.
Program leader JP Chretien and Renaissance Philanthropy Chief Scientist Joshua Elliott bring extensive experience programming hundreds of millions of dollars in moonshot research across AI for science, robotics, and medicine.
SPRIND’s track record speaks for itself: since 2021, the agency has launched 11 innovation challenges with a combined budget exceeding €100 million, covering critical areas from broad-spectrum antivirals, autonomous flight, to circular biomanufacturing. Under Costard’s leadership, SPRIND has established founder-centric funding and support processes - often transferring funds to innovators within just two-to-three weeks. SPRIND’s agile model has earned international recognition, including a mention in the Draghi report as a key instrument for fostering innovation across Europe.
Implications for European R&D Leadership
By creating a replicable model for identifying and nurturing research program leaders, Renaissance Philanthropy and SPRIND are establishing a new capability for how governments, philanthropists, and research institutions can develop a pipeline of ambitious research visionaries and catalyze breakthroughs.
The collaboration opens new possibilities for international scientists and technologists to engage with Europe's world-class research infrastructure while contributing to solutions for global challenges. Successful program graduates will be positioned to lead transformative research initiatives that could reshape entire fields of science and technology.
Learn more about our partnership with SPRIND and apply here by August 1st 2025.
FAQ
What are the key dates of the program?
10 Jul, 17:00 CET - FAQ webinar
1 Aug – applications close
12 Aug - offers sent
3–5 Sep – in-person kick-off (Berlin)
9–11 Dec – demo day
Do I have to be in Germany to apply?
You can apply from anywhere in the world. However, we are looking for applicants who can commit to two in-person events in Germany and are open to relocating to Europe for 3-5 years to stand up an 8-figure program, should they be successful in the program.
Who will be my mentor?
Your mentor will be assigned to you by Renaissance Philanthropy based on your field and background. In addition, you will receive mentorship from SPRIND's challenge officers on the particulars of the challenge model and operating in the German ecosystem.