Jan Beckers is committing €50 million to reduce the risks posed by advanced AI systems. According to ad-hoc-news.de, the funds will be distributed through the newly established GTR AI Safety Fund, created by the GTR Foundation. The foundation itself was established in 2023 by Jan Beckers and Lisa Beckers.
Key Facts
- €50 million in funding for AI safety research over 3–7 years
- Distribution managed through the GTR AI Safety Fund of the GTR Foundation
- Target recipients: non-profit organizations focused on safety
- Applications open since September 14, 2026
Who Qualifies – and Who Doesn't
The GTR AI Safety Fund is specifically designed for non-profit organizations conducting research on safety issues or advancing related initiatives. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For commercial enterprises, the Ocean Investment family office provides support.
The GTR Foundation was already active in this space before launching the current program. Previous grant recipients include Apollo Research, the KIRA Center, the AI Whistleblower Initiative, and both the Safe AI Forum and Safe AI Germany.
Growing Caution Among Tech Industry Leaders
This financial commitment reflects intensifying debate within the technology sector about controlling and managing highly advanced systems. On September 12, 2026, Anthropic CEO Amodei called for slowing model development in an essay to keep safety risks in focus. Both Amodei and industry figures like Musk are urging caution regarding further steps in AI development.
Simultaneously, new standards for auditing are emerging: Anthropic now grants external auditors access at the level of its own employees to make internal operations and security mechanisms transparent. OpenAI and Musk have since adopted similar practices.
What This Means for German Organizations
For German non-profit organizations and research institutions working on AI safety, a new funding source has opened—though without guaranteed focus on German priorities. The emphasis on risk research and preventive measures signals that safety and governance are increasingly treated as investment priorities. Companies active in this field should assess whether their work meets the fund's criteria or whether Ocean Investment is the appropriate contact.
Sources
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