Many start-ups have ideas in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). But how do you find out what business opportunities these ideas present? The Robotics & AI Accelerator programme of RoboValley and YES!Delft helps with this.
The Robotics & AI Accelerator programme is an accelerator organised by RoboValley and YES!Delft. RoboValley grew out of TU Delft and is a place where researchers, entrepreneurs and governments can collaborate in the field of robotics. More than 170 robotics researchers from various disciplines work together with experts, entrepreneurs and decision-makers within RoboValley. RoboValley aims to develop 'next generation' robotics. YES!Delft is an incubator that supports students, professionals and scientists with a technological product or process. The incubator helps entrepreneurs identify both possibilities and opportunities. In addition, YES! Delft gives entrepreneurs access to technological and business knowledge, practical guidance and infrastructure needed for product or process development. The incubator is funded by TU Delft, the municipality of Delft, TNO and several European funds.
Mapping business opportunities
With the Robotics & AI Accelerator programme, RoboValley and YES!Delft aim to support professionals, students, PhD students, engineers and scientists. The programme helps them identify the business opportunities that their ideas in robotics and AI offer. During the accelerator, participants receive intensive guidance in critically analysing and validating not only these plans, but also the potential markets in which they can become active with their ideas and the business model they want to develop. In addition, participants are helped to bring their product to the European market. They are put in touch with professionals, experts and mentors, which helps participants build a network of relevant contacts. The programme lasts a total of two months.
Those applying for the Robotics & AI Accelerator programme go through YES!Delft's selection process, which includes looking at the team, technology, validation of the idea, potential markets and intellectual property. RoboValley and YES!Delft hope to receive around 200 applications from across Europe. From these submissions, ten teams will be selected to participate in the Robotics & AI Accelerator.
Accessing the right partners
Arthur de Crook, managing director of RoboValley, says he is proud that the first European Robotics & AI Accelerator Programme is taking place at RoboValley. De Crook: "Crucial to successfully starting a robotics company is access to the right partners from business, government and science. RoboValley provides this access. We expect interest from business in the results of the programme and we are already talking to a number of parties about sponsorship." Crook calls YES!Delft an experienced partner with a lot of expertise on startups.
EJ Lugt, managing director of YES!Delft: "Artificial intelligence and robotics are going to change the world dramatically. For this programme, we are looking for entrepreneurs who want to make their solutions in the field of AI or robotics available to everyone. We are looking for ambitious and passionate people who want to bring about real change. I am very much looking forward to offering this strong programme that will help them take their business to the next level."
The Robotics & AI Accelerator programme will take place at RoboValley in Delft. More information about the programme is expected to be announced shortly.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: RoboValley
Source: YES!Delft
Source photo: Pixabay / DirtyOpi
