Research platform supporting AI entrepreneurs in launching groundbreaking businesses
The AIR26 Bootcamp, a UK-based program set to commence in September 2025, is poised to revolutionise the landscape of AI research by providing a platform for UK researchers to transform their ideas into viable tech startups.
The six-month experience, starting in September, is designed specifically for researchers working on AI-based startups or ideas. To be eligible, the team must be resident and eligible to work in the United Kingdom, and at least one team member must be a UKRI-funded researcher.
The Bootcamp, a two-day event hosted at the University of Southampton Winchester campus, aims to assess the commercial potential of AI ideas or technologies. It offers an opportunity to develop a high-level plan for the next steps for your startup, as well as a chance to practice pitching your idea.
The event, which is free to attend, covers business models, market potential, customers, and technology. It also provides information about the next step, the AIR26 Cohort programme. At the end of the Bootcamp, participants can choose to pitch for a space on a fully-funded six-month acceleration programme. Reasonable travel and accommodation costs are covered, making it accessible to a wide range of researchers.
The AIR26 Bootcamp emphasises responsible AI, ensuring that the startups it supports align with principles promoting fairness, transparency, and social impact. This focus on ethical AI development and governance is in line with broader UK efforts, such as Responsible AI UK (RAi UK), which emphasise multidisciplinary research, ethical AI, and innovation ecosystems.
Interested researchers must apply for the Bootcamp, with applications opening on 7 July and closing on 17 August. The application form is available, and any queries can be directed to the AIR26 programme manager, Dr Alice Iles, at [email protected].
As a launchpad for UK researchers to create AI startups, the AIR26 Bootcamp is a significant step forward in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the UK's AI sector. Outcomes will be communicated by 22 August.
- The upcoming AIR26 Bootcamp, commencing in September 2025, offers a unique opportunity for UK researchers working on AI-based startups or ideas.
- Eligible teams must be resident and able to work in the United Kingdom, with at least one UKRI-funded researcher among the team members.
- The Bootcamp, a two-day event at the University of Southampton Winchester campus, evaluates the commercial potential of AI ideas or technologies and provides guidance on pitching them effectively.
- The event offers insights into business models, market potential, customers, and technology, and participants can apply for a fully-funded six-month acceleration programme at the conclusion.
- The AIR26 Bootcamp embraces ethical AI development and governance, aligning with UK initiatives such as Responsible AI UK (RAi UK), which focus on multidisciplinary research, ethical AI, and innovation ecosystems.
- Applications for the AIR26 Bootcamp will open on 7 July and close on 17 August, with the application form available online and any queries directed to Dr Alice Iles at [email protected].
