In a groundbreaking move that challenges the traditional tech rivalry, some of the world’s largest AI companies are joining forces to support European innovation. Meta, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Mistral have partnered with Paris-based incubator Station F to launch F/ai, an accelerator program designed to fast-track AI startups across Europe.

The program aims to address a critical challenge facing European tech companies: the struggle to quickly generate revenue and compete on a global scale. By providing 20 selected startups with over $1 million in credits for AI models, computing resources, and strategic support, F/ai hopes to dramatically accelerate the growth of European AI technologies.

Roxanne Varza, Station F’s director, emphasizes the program’s core mission of “rapid commercialization”. This approach directly responds to investor concerns that European startups are not scaling quickly enough to compete with their American and Chinese counterparts.

The selected startups will work across diverse AI application areas, including agentic AI, procurement, and finance. Unlike traditional funding models, participants receive strategic credits from major tech companies, creating a unique pathway for technological development and market entry.

This collaborative effort comes at a critical time when European governments are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to develop domestic AI capabilities. By bringing together tech giants who are typically competitors, the program demonstrates a strategic approach to fostering innovation.

Tech experts like Marta Vinaixa from Ryde Ventures note an interesting long-term implication: once startups begin developing on a specific AI model, they’re likely to continue using that foundational technology. This means the accelerator could potentially create lasting technological ecosystems around specific AI platforms.

As the tech world watches, F/ai represents more than just an accelerator, it’s a bold statement about collaborative innovation in the AI landscape. By breaking down competitive barriers, these companies are creating unprecedented opportunities for European entrepreneurs to make their mark on the global tech stage.