ai@cam launches Sciencepreneurship Bootcamp to accelerate entrepreneurship in AI for science
ai@cam announces its inaugural AI Sciencepreneurship Bootcamp, an immersive two-day programme convened in collaboration with the ELIAS network of European innovation hubs.
AI Sciencepreneurship Bootcamp
ai@cam is today announcing its inaugural AI Sciencepreneurship Bootcamp, an intensive two-day programme designed to help researchers transform breakthrough AI innovations in scientific research into real-world impact, across domains from health, to environment, to materials science, and more. Running from 25-26 June 2025, this hands-on bootcamp will combine technical expertise in scientific applications of AI with entrepreneurial insights from Cambridge’s renowned innovation ecosystem, supporting the next generation of science-based ventures.
Cambridge is home to over 5,500 knowledge-intensive businesses and the world’s highest concentration of academic entrepreneurs. AI could help supercharge scientific discovery and innovation, driving a new wave of breakthroughs in areas from healthcare, to genomics, to sustainable energy. However, researchers looking to translate their scientific AI innovations face significant challenges, from designing AI tools tailored for specific scientific domains to building product-ready solutions from laboratory innovations. Many promising scientific AI breakthroughs never reach their full potential due to gaps in entrepreneurial knowledge and support.
ai@cam’s new AI sciencepreneurship bootcamp will provide a pathway for researchers to develop their scientific AI innovations into viable ventures that address real-world scientific and technological challenges. This intensive program combines hands-on technical workshops with mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors from Cambridge Innovation Capital. Participants will receive dedicated support to develop their AI tools while learning essential entrepreneurship skills.
From 25-26 June 2025, the first ai@cam Sciencepreneurship bootcamp will provide hands-on workshops, training, and mentoring to help researchers develop AI for science tools and learn more about entrepreneurship. The two-day programme will feature:
- Technical workshops on foundation models and AI tools led by the Accelerate Science team
- Training sessions on start-up fundamentals from Cambridge Innovation Capital
- Problem-solution fit sessions with DeepTech Labs mentors
- Founder story sessions with successful AI entrepreneurs
- Hands-on prototype development with technical support
- Pitch development and showcase opportunities with local entrepreneurs
Applications are open to researchers and PhD students at the University of Cambridge and its associated institutions. To apply, please complete the form https://forms.gle/TEQedN8LtdhyJd8dA by Friday 6 June.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bootcamp is open to researchers and PhD students at the University of Cambridge and its associated research institutions, working on AI applications in scientific domains such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, healthcare, and related fields. Participants should have an understanding of core methods and concepts in AI and an idea for a project they’d like to develop.
Participants should have foundational knowledge of AI methods and concepts, particularly as they apply to scientific data, experimental design, or modelling in their field of expertise. Those looking to build these skills can access preparatory courses through Accelerate Science’s training programs before applying.
Applications are now open at https://forms.gle/TEQedN8LtdhyJd8dA. Successful applicants will be notified by 10 June. The application asks for:
- Your research background
- Your AI experience and expertise
- A description of the idea you want to develop
- Your motivation for joining the bootcamp
- Technical workshops on foundation models and AI tools led by the Accelerate Science team
- Training sessions on start-up fundamentals from Cambridge Innovation Capital
- Problem-solution fit sessions with DeepTech Labs mentors
- Founder story sessions with successful AI entrepreneurs
- Hands-on prototype development with technical support
- Pitch development and showcase opportunities with local entrepreneurs
Yes, this is the first in a series of initiatives planned by the Cambridge ELIAS node. Future workshops and events will be announced as the ELIAS Alliance develops.
Participants must commit to attending all two full days of the bootcamp (25-26 June, 2025) and actively participate in working sessions.
Yes, we welcome applications from research teams working on shared projects, though each team member must submit an individual application.
The bootcamp is part of Cambridge’s new European Leadership in Innovation with AI and Science (ELIAS) node, a new initiative to accelerate AI-driven scientific innovation in the Cambridge ecosystem. Researchers at Cambridge have the opportunity to benefit from a range of programmes that provide support for research commercialisation. This programme is focused on the use of AI for science. We’re providing a space to work through practical issues associated with building AI tools and introducing topics in entrepreneurship.
The sciencepreneurship bootcamp is designed as an entry point to Cambridge’s AI and science innovation ecosystem. After completing the bootcamp, participants will have several pathways for continued support. Next-stage programmes in the Cambridge ecosystem include:
- Founders at Cambridge
- DeepTech Labs accelerator program (for suitable deep tech ventures)
- Further events through the ELIAS network
Participants will be invited to join our ELIAS AI for sciencepreneurship community, with regular meetups, skill-sharing sessions, and opportunities to connect with potential co-founders, team members, and advisors.