AI Hub: A Platform Empowering Scientists to Launch Pioneering AI-Focused Businesses
The AIR26 Programme is a six-month launchpad for UK researchers who are developing AI-based startups with a focus on responsible AI and technology commercialization. This programme, which begins in September 2025, offers a supportive yet challenging experience for ambitious researchers aiming to translate their AI innovations into scalable startups with positive societal impact[1].
To be eligible for the AIR26 Programme, researchers must meet certain criteria. They must be developing an AI-based technology with startup potential, have an innovation that could contribute positively to people, society, or the nation, and possess the personal ambition to launch and develop a tech startup[1].
The application process involves attending a mandatory two-day Bootcamp, scheduled for 2-3 September 2025. This Bootcamp serves as an immersion and evaluation event to explore the commercial potential of your AI idea and determine if the full AIR26 Programme is a good fit[1]. Only researchers who participate in the Bootcamp can join the six-month AIR26 Programme starting September 2025.
During the Bootcamp, participants will develop an understanding of key startup concepts, apply these concepts to their own startup, develop a high-level plan for the next steps, practice pitching their startup, meet other founders in the AI startup community, and learn about the next step, the AIR26 Cohort programme[1]. The Bootcamp is free to attend, and reasonable travel and accommodation costs are covered.
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 particularly suitable for researchers who have developed the technology that is core to their startup idea. Support is available for teams without the necessary technical expertise, as long as artificial intelligence is central to their innovation[1].
Interested researchers are invited to apply for the AIR26 Bootcamp, which opens on 7 July 2025 and closes on 17 August 2025. To be eligible, the startup/idea must use artificial intelligence, embody a responsible use of artificial intelligence, have at least one UKRI-funded researcher on the team, be linked to UKRI-funded research, and the founder(s) must be resident and eligible to work in the United Kingdom[1].
For questions about the AIR26 Bootcamp, please contact AIR26 programme manager Dr Alice Iles at [email protected]. At the end of the Bootcamp, participants can choose to pitch for a space on a fully-funded six-month acceleration programme.
The AIR26 Programme is supported by UKRI funding bodies, including the 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, and Science and Technology Facilities Council[1].
In summary, UK researchers developing responsible AI technologies with ambitions to commercialize through startups should apply by registering for the AIR26 Bootcamp, which is a prerequisite for entering the six-month startup accelerator programme[1].
- The founders of AI-based startups are encouraged to apply for the AIR26 Bootcamp, a mandatory two-day event hosting immersion and evaluation for AI ideas from September 2025.
- The AIR26 Programme, a six-month launchpad for researchers focusing on AI and technology commercialization, offers a challenging yet supportive experience.
- Eligible applicants should be developing AI technologies with startup potential, embodying a responsible use of artificial intelligence, and have at least one UKRI-funded researcher on the team.
- Participants in the Bootcamp will learn key startup concepts, practice pitching, meet fellow founders, and have the opportunity to pitch for a space in the fully-funded six-month AIR26 Cohort programme.
- Support is available for teams without the necessary technical expertise, as long as the innovation relies on artificial intelligence.
- The programme, led by the tech startup accelerator at the University of Southampton, Responsible AI UK, and UCL Centre for Digital Innovation (UCL CDI), is supported by various UKRI funding bodies.
- UK researchers interested in the AIR26 Bootcamp should send queries to AIR26 programme manager, Dr Alice Iles, and ensure their startup/idea meets the given criteria to be eligible.
