Deadline: 26-Apr-23
Applications are now open for the MassChallenge’s Artificial Intelligence Accelerator Program to connect high-potential startups in AI to experts, corporations & communities to deliver growth & impact.
An initial partner set of Bosch, Siemens, Whitworth Bros., Bühler, University of East London, and Royal Docks, supported by the MassChallenge Switzerland partner Group including Givaudan, DSM, Louis Dreyfus Company, Omya, and Nestlé are delighted to announce the launch of a pilot accelerator programme for AI-focused startups in the Royal Docks, London from July to October 2023.
Startups in the UK programme will have the opportunity to compete for the no strings attached, non-dilutive prize money from MassChallenge Switzerland, and a special £10,000 prize to the best UK startup in the programme.
Startups will benefit from MassChallenge Switzerland’s programme and connection events to partners and expert mentors in London. Acceleration will take place with Boot-camps in Switzerland, events in London, and online.
Benefits
- Unrivaled access to 20+ global corporate partners – totalling over CHF 300 billion in revenue
- World-class mentoring from 400+ experts and tailored programming provided with no equity taken in return
- The opportunity to compete for up to CHF 1M in non-dilutive cash prizes. And a specific prize of £10,000 for the best startup in the Pilot
- A proven model that has helped more than 65% of finalists raise funds during or immediately after the program
- Office space for the duration of the programme in London at Bühler UK
- Funding for travel to Switzerland
They Are Looking For?
They are looking for startups that are applying AI to solve global societal problems; these may fall for example into the following categories:
- Decarbonisation of Industry & Society;
- Health & Well-Being (Medtech to Drug Discovery);
- Biotechnology (Precision Fermentation/Cellular Agriculture/etc.);
- Food System Transformation;
- Materials Development;
- Sustainable Mobility;
- Energy Demand Reduction;
- Transportation and Logistics, including Maritime;
- Generative AI, especially in the areas of Mobility, Industry, Consumer Goods, and Energy;
- Digital transformation: Requirements Engineering, Data Labeling, Predictive Analytics & Maintenance, Video Compression, Human Resources (i.e. recruitment), Production Optimisation, Purchasing and Sales, and Explainable AI.
Eligibility Criteria
Startups should:
- Have impactful products, technologies, processes, and solutions in the field of AI and/or machine learning that can drive substantial economic growth and transform all areas of life.
- Have a viable idea. Startups must be able to demonstrate traction amongst those participating in their solution, as well as how their idea is financially sustainable.
- Have a scalable idea. Startups must be able to show how their solution scales and that their pricing is market competitive.
- Are under £2M capital raised and £2M sales. You do not need to be incorporated. What’s important is the impact, viability, and scalability of your idea.
- Are from UK. However, as some physical accelerator events are in Switzerland, you should be prepared to travel for up to 10 days over 4 months. Funding is available to support travel to Switzerland. Additionally, you will be required to travel to London for the Accelerator, but don’t worry, they will have an office space provided for you. The selection process will be carried out online, so no travel is needed before you are accepted.
For more information, visit MassChallenge.