AI Initiative 26: A platform for scientists to establish groundbreaking artificial intelligence businesses
AIR26 Bootcamp: A Two-Day Event for UK AI Researchers to Launch Startups
The AIR26 Bootcamp, a two-day intensive event, is set to take place in early September 2025 at the University of Southampton Winchester campus. This event is designed for UK-based researchers developing AI technologies with ambitions to launch scalable startups.
The Bootcamp serves as a launchpad and immersion experience, helping founders explore the commercial potential of their AI ideas. Over the course of two days, participants will delve into key startup principles such as business models, market potential, customers, and technology.
At the end of the Bootcamp, participants will have the opportunity to pitch for a spot in a fully-funded six-month acceleration program, the AIR26 program, which starts in September 2025. This program supports the creation of innovative AI startups.
To be eligible for the AIR26 Bootcamp, applicants or their startups must work on a startup/idea that uses artificial intelligence, embody a responsible use of artificial intelligence, have at least one UKRI-funded researcher on the team, be linked to UKRI-funded research, and be resident and eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
The benefits of participating in the AIR26 Bootcamp include intensive training designed by startup experts, access to a supportive but challenging environment focused on commercialising research into startups, connections with leading UK AI research institutions, and the opportunity to enter the six-month AIR26 accelerator program.
The AIR26 initiative combines academic AI research and startup acceleration with an emphasis on responsible AI innovation benefiting society and the nation.
Applications for the AIR26 Bootcamp open on 7 July and close on 17 August. Outcomes will be communicated by 22 August. Interested researchers must attend the two-day Bootcamp (2-3 September 2025) to join the full program.
For any questions about the AIR26 program, please contact Dr. Alice Iles, the program manager, at [email protected]. An application form can be found at the provided link.
The organizers of the AIR26 Bootcamp are the tech startup accelerator at the University of Southampton, Responsible AI UK, and the UCL Centre for Digital Innovation (UCL CDI), a collaborative initiative between UCL and AWS.
- The AIR26 Bootcamp, happening in early September 2025, is an event for UK-based AI researchers aiming to launch startups.
- The Bootcamp offers a two-day immersion, guiding founders on key principles like business models, market potential, and technology.
- At the end of the Bootcamp, there's an opportunity to pitch for a spot in the fully-funded six-month AIR26 accelerator program, focusing on AI startups.
- To apply, researchers must work on AI-related startups, have UKRI-funded researchers, be UK-resident, and be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
- Participating in the AIR26 Bootcamp offers benefits, including expert-designed training, a supportive environment, connections with leading AI research institutions, and the chance to enter the accelerator program.
- The AIR26 initiative, a collaboration between the tech startup accelerator at the University of Southampton, Responsible AI UK, and the UCL Centre for Digital Innovation, combines academic AI research and startup acceleration, focusing on responsible AI innovation for societal and national benefits.
