diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index ad74494b7..4296bf50e 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ exclude = "((.eggs | .git | .mypy_cache | .pytest_cache | build | dist))"
 
 [tool.poetry]
 name = "rasa-sdk"
-version = "3.6.1"
+version = "3.8.0a1"
 description = "Open source machine learning framework to automate text- and voice-based conversations: NLU, dialogue management, connect to Slack, Facebook, and more - Create chatbots and voice assistants"
 authors = [ "Rasa Technologies GmbH <hi@rasa.com>",]
 maintainers = [ "Tom Bocklisch <tom@rasa.com>",]
diff --git a/rasa_sdk/version.py b/rasa_sdk/version.py
index a5c6adb19..be44f5f4f 100644
--- a/rasa_sdk/version.py
+++ b/rasa_sdk/version.py
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 # this file will automatically be changed,
 # do not add anything but the version number here!
-__version__ = "3.6.1"
+__version__ = "3.8.0a1"