AI26 serves as a platform for researchers to establish groundbreaking AI-focused start-ups
The AIR26 Bootcamp is an exciting opportunity for UK-based researchers working on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with the potential to become scalable startups. This two-day event, taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of September 2025 at the University of Southampton Winchester campus, serves as a launchpad for aspiring AI entrepreneurs.
What to Expect from the AIR26 Bootcamp
The AIR26 Bootcamp is a comprehensive programme designed to equip researchers with the skills necessary to evaluate the commercial viability of their AI ideas or technologies. Participants will immerse themselves in core startup principles, including business models, market potential, customer discovery, and technology validation.
During the Bootcamp, attendees will also have the chance to network with other founders in the AI startup community, practice their pitching skills, and learn about the AIR26 Cohort programme. This six-month supportive and challenging experience is a great opportunity for ambitious researchers to bring their AI innovations to life.
Eligibility Criteria
Researchers from across the UK are invited to apply for the AIR26 Bootcamp. Eligibility criteria focus on those whose innovations can positively impact people, society, or the nation, individuals with a personal ambition to launch a technology startup, and researchers who are developing AI-based technologies. Attending the two-day Bootcamp is a mandatory pre-requisite for joining the subsequent AIR26 programme starting in September 2025.
Support for UK Researchers
The AIR26 programme offers a six-month support programme for researchers to commercialise their AI technology through a startup. Expertise and mentorship are provided by partners such as Future Worlds (University of Southampton tech startup accelerator), Responsible AI UK (an ecosystem supporting responsible AI innovation), and The UCL Centre for Digital Innovation (a collaboration between UCL and AWS).
Participants will also have access to a multidisciplinary network and best practices around responsible AI research and innovation, helping to integrate responsible innovation principles as researchers develop and commercialise their products.
Application and Further Information
The application form for the AIR26 Bootcamp can be found online and will close on 17 August 2025. For any questions about the AIR26 Bootcamp, please contact Dr. Alice Iles at [email protected].
The AIR26 Bootcamp is particularly suitable for researchers who have developed the technology that is core to their startup idea. Eligibility criteria for the AIR26 Bootcamp include working on a startup/idea that uses AI, adhering to responsible AI practices, having at least one UKRI-funded researcher on the team, and being resident and eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
The outcomes of the applications will be communicated by 17:00 on Friday 22 August. Don't miss this opportunity to kickstart your AI startup journey! Apply now and join the AIR26 Bootcamp.
- The AIR26 Bootcamp is a two-day event for UK-based researchers, offering a launchpad for AI entrepreneurs, taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of September 2025 at the University of Southampton Winchester campus.
- Participants will delve into core startup principles, practice pitching skills, and network with other founders in the AI startup community, aiming to launch scalable AI startups.
- Researchers from across the UK can apply for the AIR26 Bootcamp, with eligibility criteria focusing on those working on AI-based technologies with potential societal or national impact.
- The AIR26 programme offers a six-month support system for commercialising AI technology via a startup, with mentorship from partners like Future Worlds, Responsible AI UK, and UCL Centre for Digital Innovation.
- Attendees of the AIR26 Bootcamp may join the subsequent AIR26 programme, starting in September 2025, provided they apply before the August 17th deadline and meet criteria including using AI, adhering to responsible AI practices, having a UKRI-funded researcher, and being eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
- Interested researchers are encouraged to apply for the AIR26 Bootcamp before the application deadline on August 17th, 2025, for a chance to integrate responsible innovation principles and advance their AI technology startups.
