AI Startup Challenge

This six-week program is designed for ambitious student entrepreneurs enrolled in US universities, ready to harness the power of AI to bring their startup ideas to life.

Throughout the challenge, teams will dive into weekly workshops, refining their business ideas with the guidance of seasoned industry experts.

The culmination? An epic demo day where the top teams will secure funding to kickstart and grow their ventures.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Team: Teams should consist of no more than 4 co-founders, with at least 50% of cofounders enrolled in a US university
2. Business Type: Startups can be B2B or B2C, software or hardware in nature with all hardware products having a software component, and should leverage AI technology (see exclusion criteria for additional details on use of AI)
3. Industry: Including but not limited to the following industry verticals:

• SaaS
• Education
• Consumer
• Healthcare
• Cybersecurity
• Media & Entertainment
• Financial Technology
• Property Tech
• Mobility
• Clean Tech
• Government
• Future of Work
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Basic Wrappers or Chatbot Additions: Startups that solely offer services that act as simple wrappers around existing AI tools or merely add a basic chatbot interface without substantial innovation or unique functionality. The proposed solution must demonstrate significant originality, a novel application of AI technology, or provide a distinct value proposition beyond basic AI integration.
2. Consulting, Freelance, Agencies: We will not consider startups engaged in consulting, freelance, or agency-based businesses, as these models typically lack the potential for rapid scalability and innovation.
3. Proven Business Model with No New Innovation: We will not invest in companies that have established a profitable business model but lack substantial innovation or a clear path to disrupt their industry.
4. Basic Online Sales or Drop-Shipping Businesses: We will pass on startups primarily involved in basic online sales or drop-shipping of standard products, as they often lack the unique value proposition and innovation required for venture capital investment.
5. Non-Scale Craft or Hobby Businesses: Businesses centered around non-scalable crafts or hobbies, such as Etsy stores, will not be considered for investment due to their limited growth potential.
6. FDA Device Approval: Startups that require FDA device approval with a substantial financial burden will not be considered for investment, as this could strain the early-stage capital structure.