The Astound project is dedicated to research and development of cutting-edge AI technologies, it will provide a fast track from the scientific outcome of the project into commercialization in the field of conversational agents. The impact is assured by the makeup of key opinion leaders in the fields of computer science (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid), cognitive science (UKE Hamburg), ethical science (Ecole Normale Superieure), and the extended experience of Alien Technology Transfer who are part of the consortium.