Do you have a world changing idea or startup? Yes! Then, join the Oxbridge AI Challenge!

Oxbridge AI Challenge is an annual early stage Pitch Competition and Incubator for AI startups from the Cambridge and Oxford ecosystems. In addition, startups become part of the Oxbridge-AIx community, a supportive and collaborative community focussed on solving the worlds most pressing problems together!
Prize money for 2024 so far
£50,000
Apply and Join the competition and community now!

what we do

Our mission is to identify, champion, and fund the AI-driven ideas from Oxford and Cambridge’s communities that promise to shape the future.

We believe in the power of community and that is what we started building for you last year.

We want you to take your AI start-up to the next level and we are here to support you. Once you apply, you and your founding team automatically join the Oxbridge-AIx community, and get access to a world class community of mentors , judges, and entrepreneurs.

This includes participating in matchmaking sessions to look for potential co-founders, receive 1-1 mentorships, get credits for Azure, OpenAI and more from Microsoft for Startups and other partners. Your team will receive 1-1 mentorships. In preparation for launch or to raise funds, depending on your stage.

2024

£50,000

Prize money
so far

This year we are more ambitious!

We are working hard to increase the prize money. The more teams apply the bigger the prize pool.

The challenge

Is open to current students (undergraduates, postgraduates, post-docs), alumni, and staff members from the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, building early stage start-ups, from idea stage until seed stage.

From October to December teams gets access to mentors, workshops, credits and other resources from Microsoft for Startups and other partners to help build their AI startups to reach complete either the Ideation Stage, a Minimal Viable Product or a Minimal Marketable Product.


2023

£50,000

In Prize money

Last year over 45 judges and mentors supported some of the leading AI early stage startups through Oxbridge AI Challenge.

Winners
Ignota Labs
Adalat AI
JRE
Regfyl
Agrilink

Special mentions
Innex AI, Canopy Labs, Letera and Biterite

Join the Oxbridge AI Challenge nowBecome a Partner

Last year our finalists pitched at the

JP Morgan Great Hall

Our last year finalists

Testimonials

"We are extremely grateful to Oxbridge-AIx. Team. As a venture working on creating AI for heavy manufacturing, we participated in lectures, mentorships sessions and Oxbridge AI Challenge. The organisation by Udai, and the rest of the team was impeccable. They have created a platform that jumpstarted our company while giving us a sense of belonging to the broader entrepreneurship community working with AI. 

Udai became a true mentor for us. He provided accurate feedback on our product and tech, assisted us in refining our pitch, introduced us to mentors, other entrepreneurs, and potential investors, and helped us get into the Microsoft Imagine Cup competition. His support has been transformational to our company."

-Jorge Garduño López-Guerrero, Co-founder JRE-

"We had an amazing time, and got a lot of clarity, connections, and feedback that changed and accelerated our product and company exponentially.

Udai and Francisco are genuinely hidden gems that deserve all the praise in the world. So happy to have connected with them."

-Akshat Saraf, Co-founder JRE-

"Working with Oxbridge AI Challnege has been a game-changer for our startup journey. From the outset, it's clear they're genuinely invested in our success. Their team goes above and beyond to problem-solve and provide invaluable assistance whenever needed. The workshops they offer have been incredibly beneficial, offering insights and practical strategies to navigate various challenges startups face. Moreover, their personalized approach and willingness to tailor their support to our specific needs have been instrumental in many ways."

-Dr. Adenike 'Omo’ Dairo, Co-founder, Mentra-

How it works

Initial Rounds

Held locally at each university





































Semi-Finals

Held in London
with one of our partners

Finals

Held in London
Expect something world class

Road Map & Key Dates 2024

We are grateful to this year's and last year's sponsors and partners