AI26 serves as a hub for scientists to establish cutting-edge AI-focused businesses and ventures
AIR26 Bootcamp: A Launchpad for UK AI Startups
The AIR26 Bootcamp, an initiative aimed at supporting UK researchers in commercialising their AI technology through startups, is inviting applications for its upcoming event. The two-day immersive Bootcamp is scheduled for 2-3 September 2025, and the application deadline is 23:59 on Sunday 17 August.
Who can apply?
Researchers based in the UK who are developing AI-based technologies with the potential to become exceptional startups are eligible to apply. Candidates should have a personal ambition to launch a tech startup and meet the following criteria:
- Your technology should have the potential to make a significant impact on society or the nation.
- Attending the AIR26 Bootcamp is mandatory to qualify for the full six-month AIR26 programme.
What is on offer?
The AIR26 Bootcamp offers a supportive yet challenging environment designed by startup experts to test and refine your AI startup idea. Over the two days, founders will be guided through core startup principles including business models, market potential, customer identification, and technology validation.
The full six-month AIR26 programme, accessible after the Bootcamp, provides an extended launchpad to create and commercialise innovative AI startups. This programme is organised by reputable institutions: Future Worlds (University of Southampton), Responsible AI UK, and The UCL Centre for Digital Innovation.
The programme is focused on ethical AI innovation and societal impact, aligning with a responsible AI ecosystem. Participants will receive networking and mentorship opportunities from leading UK AI and startup experts.
Key Benefits
- The Bootcamp provides foundational startup training, helping you to assess the viability of your startup idea.
- It offers opportunities to develop understanding of key startup concepts, practice pitching, and meet other founders in the AI startup community.
- The AIR26 Bootcamp is free to attend, and reasonable travel and accommodation costs are covered.
- At the end of the Bootcamp, participants can choose to pitch for a space on a fully-funded six-month acceleration programme.
Eligibility and Application
At least one member of the research team should be a UKRI-funded researcher. The researcher or team member must be resident and eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
Interested researchers are invited to apply for the AIR26 Bootcamp. For questions, contact AIR26 programme manager Dr Alice Iles at [email protected].
The AIR26 Bootcamp is an in-person event, hosted in Winchester (University of Southampton Winchester campus). The AIR26 programme starts in September 2025.
[1] Source: AIR26 Bootcamp official website.
- The AIR26 Bootcamp, a launchpad for UK AI startups, is inviting eligible researchers to apply for its upcoming event on September 2-3, 2025.
- Researchers developing AI-based technologies with societal impact potential are welcome to apply, as long as they have a personal ambition to launch a tech startup and meet the required criteria.
- The two-day Bootcamp offers foundational startup training, pitching practice, and an opportunity to network with UK AI and startup experts.
- Following the Bootcamp, participants can join a six-month acceleration program, focused on ethical AI innovation, organized by Future Worlds (University of Southampton), Responsible AI UK, and The UCL Centre for Digital Innovation.
- Interested researchers should ensure at least one member of their research team is a UKRI-funded researcher and meet the residency and work eligibility criteria for the United Kingdom.
- Over the extended six-month program, startups can continue to commercialize their innovative AI technologies while collaborating within the AI startup community.
