Investment readiness programme to boost robotics and AI innovators

Robotics and artificial intelligence (RAI) businesses are being invited to participate in a programme that could help them put forward a strong proposition when seeking investment.

Spanning four events between January and March next year, Pitchfest will culminate in a pitching competition where innovators have the chance to present their ideas to an audience of national investors.

Two days of training will take place in Sheffield on January 16 and 17, when participants will be trained on developing, structuring and presenting a pitch that will give them their best possible chance of securing investment. Those taking part will also receive insights from an investor perspective, covering the business valuation tools used and the kind of financial due diligence undertaken.

Moving on to London on February 1, the programme will then see the entrepreneurs practicing and refining their seven-minute pitch in a no-pressure environment.

On the March 1, participants will pitch to a panel of stakeholders, who will select the best candidates for the final Showcase Day on the March 15. Those who get through will then pitch to investors.

Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group (RAI SIG) is organising the programme. RAI SIG is run by the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), a London-based innovation network working to stimulate business-led innovation in science and technology.

RAI lead Phil Williams said: “There has never been a better time for companies working in the fields of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence; not only do we now have cheap, scalable computing to support the intelligence behind these systems, but we also have multiple funding routes available to support companies who want to turn their ideas into real products.

“RAI has the potential to transform entire industries, improving the quality of products and services whilst boosting productivity and economic growth.”

He continued: “Pitchfest offers up-and-coming RAI businesses an incredible opportunity to not only pitch for investment, but to receive training on how to shape a more compelling proposition for future investors and customers.

“There will be only 15 companies in this first cohort, which means that participants will receive high quality, intensive tuition and they will enjoy a better networking experience.”