Innovative AI startups find their birthplace in AIR26, a platform for groundbreaking researchers
The AIR26 Bootcamp, a two-day startup immersion event, is set to kick off in September 2025, marking the beginning of a six-month initiative aimed at supporting UK researchers who are ambitious to commercialize their AI innovations through startups.
This event is open to researchers working on startups that use artificial intelligence and are developing a technology with the potential to become an exceptional startup. The innovation should have the potential to contribute positively to people, society, or the nation. Researchers must also have the personal ambition to launch a tech startup.
The AIR26 Bootcamp is a prerequisite for joining the full six-month AIR26 programme. The event, which will take place at the University of Southampton Winchester campus, is designed to help participants develop their understanding of key startup concepts, practice pitching, and meet other founders in the AI startup community.
The programme covers core principles of startups, including business models, market potential, customers, and technology. Topics such as product-market fit, value proposition, and developing a high-level plan for the next steps for a startup are also covered. At the end of the Bootcamp, participants can pitch for a space on a fully-funded six-month acceleration programme.
Interested researchers can apply by registering for the two-day Bootcamp, which opens on 7 July and closes on 17 August. The application deadline is 23:59 on Sunday 17 August, and outcomes will be communicated by 22 August. Applications are open to researchers from the eligible UKRI funding bodies, including Arts and Humanities Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Innovate UK, Medical Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council, Research England, Science and Technology Facilities Council.
At least one member of the research team must be a UKRI-funded researcher. The organisers 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). The Bootcamp is free to attend, and travel and accommodation costs are covered.
Data handling adheres to GDPR standards by RAi UK, with opt-out options available for communications. For questions about the AIR26 Bootcamp, Dr Alice Iles at [email protected] is the contact.
[1] Source: AIR26 official website ()
- The AIR26 Bootcamp, an event for UK researchers developing AI-driven startups, begins in September 2025.
- This event, a prerequisite for the six-month AIR26 program, focuses on startup principles, pitching, and networking with AI startup founders.
- Topics covered in the program include business models, market potential, customers, and technology, with a focus on product-market fit, value proposition, and next steps planning.
- Interested researchers can apply by registering for the two-day Bootcamp, which runs from July 7 to August 17, with a deadline at 23:59 on August 17.
- Eligible UKRI funding bodies, including Arts and Humanities Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Economic and Social Research Council, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Innovate UK, Medical Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council, Research England, Science and Technology Facilities Council, can apply.
- 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). The event is free to attend, with travel and accommodation costs covered.
