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High Growth AI Accelerator for BridgeAI FAQs

About the programme

What is BridgeAI?

BridgeAI is an Innovate UK national programme seeking to stimulate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies in targeted sectors of the UK economy that have the highest growth potential for AI use cases – Agriculture, Creative, Transport, and Construction.  

BridgeAI is jointly delivered by Innovate UK Business Connect, Digital Catapult, The Alan Turing Institute, British Standards Institute and the Hartree Centre and funded by Innovate UK. More information about the programme can be found here.

How does the BridgeAI Acceleration Programme fit into the broader BridgeAI programme framework?

The High Growth AI Accelerator for Innovate UK BridgeAI is a 14-week accelerator delivered by Digital Catapult, funded by Innovate UK, as part of the activities in the BridgeAI programme. 

It is targeted at UK-registered startups and SMEs to help them develop responsible, ethical, and desirable AI and ML deep-tech solutions in the construction industries. 

What are the benefits of the BridgeAI Accelerator Programme?

Participants will benefit from computational power, strategic guidance, holistic diagnostics, tailored support, and a showcase platform to accelerate the readiness of their AI/ML solutions. 

Benefits 

  • Industry access and expertise
    • Collaborate with Industry Challenge Owners to address prominent challenges in the construction sector and benefit from their networks and expertise.
  • Computational power access
    • Subject to availability and third-party terms, access to computational power provided by the Technology Partners: up to $25k for two years in AWS credits and one year of AWS business support (up to $10,000); up to $2,000 USD in Google Cloud credits, valid for two years (Start Tier) or $100,000 USD in Google Cloud credits for one year, with 20% off for the second year (Scale Tier); €10k in OVHcloud credits for startups and €100k in OVHcloud credits for scaleups. 
  • Holistic diagnostics
    • Diagnostic sessions with experts from the Digital Catapult Team and Industry Challenge Owners to address current AI/ML technological, commercial and strategic needs.
  • Tailored support
    • Hands-on support to accelerate data and product readiness; and to develop and improve product, technical, business and ethical roadmaps.
  • Workshops and masterclasses
    • Group sessions covering diverse topics, including data readiness and maturity, regulatory compliance, and ethical best practices.
  • Showcase
    • Exclusive demo day to present your progress to industry representatives and customers.
What are the key dates for this programme?
  • Open Call opens – 21st January 2025
  • Open Call closes – 23rd February 2025 at 23:59
  • Briefing Webinar – 4th February 2025
  • Q&A Sessions – 31 January, 7, 14, 21, 28 February 2025 *
  • Notification of shortlisted projects and Invitation to interview – 7th March 2025*
  • Interviews – w/c 17th March 2025
  • Notification of successful projects – 21 March 2025*
  • Contracting – 24 March – 4 April 2025
  • Programme Start Date – 7 April 2025
  • Programme End Date – 11 July 2025
  • Kick Off Programme Event – 9 April 2025
  • Final Programme Event – 10 July 2025

*Dates and activities can be subject to change. Digital Catapult will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible to applicants/participants should any changes arise.

What are the programme obligations?

Participants must be willing to commit to the following key obligations:

  • Attend the kick-off event hosted by Digital Catapult in April 2025.
  • Attend at least 70% of the workshops, support meetings, webinars, hosted by Digital Catapult from April to July 2025.
  • Develop a technology solution addressing the appropriate challenge.
  • Attend, present and demonstrate project outcomes at the Final Programme Event in July 2025.
  • Attend meetings hosted by the Industry Challenge Owners.
  • Participant agrees to be visibly (name and logo) associated with the Programme, whilst in the Programme, and afterwards as a former participant and beneficiary. This includes marketing collateral, such as website, print and digital materials.
  • For a maximum period of five years following the Project end date, Participant shall use its reasonable endeavours to answer specific questions from Digital Catapult relating to its growth and progress to assist Catapult demonstrate the impact of its activities. This shall include: (i) participation in an annual telephone conversation of one hour, and (ii) participation in a two early survey issued by Digital Catapult.
Do I have to attend all of the activities offered in the accelerator programme?

In general, attending all activities on the programme can be beneficial as it provides you with the opportunity to learn from experienced mentors, connect with other entrepreneurs, and develop your business skills. However, it is important to prioritise your time and focus on activities that are most relevant to your business goals.

If there are certain activities that you feel are not relevant to your business or that you already have a strong understanding of, you may choose to skip them to allocate your time and resources more effectively. However, it is important to consider the potential benefits of all activities before deciding to skip them.

Can I apply to more than one challenge?

We strongly recommend that interested parties apply to only one challenge.

If you wish to submit an idea for more than one challenge, you must complete a separate application form for each. Please keep in mind that ultimately you will only be selected to develop one of these challenge concepts.

How are data related to my product or service treated?

It is your responsibility to have the necessary data ready or a plan to obtain the data required by your AI solution. Digital Catapult will not ask you to share your data and, if access is given, these will be regarded as confidential information. Digital Catapult will not be signing NDAs for this specific accelerator.

 

What products or services can apply under construction industries?

Within the construction sector, Digital Catapult will consider solutions that applies to the following application areas:

  • Building Design and Architecture
  • Construction Materials and Technologies
  • Project Management and Construction Operations
  • Infrastructure Development and Maintenance
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Construction
  • Environmental Sustainability and Decarbonisation
  • Building Performance and Energy Efficiency
Are match contributions welcomed?

Match funding is not required for this call but we do welcome cash or in kind match contributions. Please let us know in your proposal and budget if you already have confirmed income or are expecting it. We also know that you will bring your own time, money, resources and networks to the work – this is of huge value and we will work with you to capture and recognise this as a match

Who will own the intellectual property of the solutions and/or services?

The participants will have full ownership of their intellectual property created. For full details, please refer to the programme terms and conditions.

Is the programme expected to be in-person, or remote?

BridgeAI’s activities are planned to be delivered remotely/online. We expect to organise a small number of in-person events, such activities may include programme kick-off, and showcase events. Participants will be informed with plenty of notice and will be subject to updated COVID-19 -related guidance on restrictions and best practices.

Will I receive any funding?

No, participants of this accelerator programme will not receive any funding. However, applicants must be eligible to receive £18,000 in State Assistance. 

Do I need to build a new AI-solution or can I use my company’s existing one AI-solution?

Participants do not need to build an AI-solution from scratch. Participants can utilise an existing AI-solution that their startup has built.  

Can I continue working with my Industry Challenge Owner beyond the accelerator?  

 Yes, you are welcome to continue this relationship but please note that both the participant and the Industry Challenge Owner are under no obligation to do so.  

If both the participant and the Industry Challenge Owner wish to continue their relationship beyond the programme, this must be agreed between the two parties. Beyond the programme, Digital Catapult will no longer be involved in this relationship.  

Application process

Who will my application data be shared with?

We only use your application information for the purpose of the programme. If information is shared outside Digital Catapult (for example, with programme partners) this will be made clear in the application form and/or programme agreement.

Will I be able to save my application form?

Yes, you will be able to save it during the application process, so that you can complete it in more than one session if you need to.

What are the selection criteria used for applications?

Applications will be assessed and scored equally against five criteria. All applications must have an AI/ML use case to take part in the programme but we encourage applications that wish to integrate any other advanced digital technology.

  1. Relevance and Feasibility – The applicant should demonstrate their solution can tackle the challenge selected and the company has the appropriate technical expertise to deliver the solution.
  2. Business Strategy – The applicant should be able to articulate the company’s business model that drives their AI/ML solution implementation and commercialisation.
  3. Data and Code Readiness – The applicant should demonstrate that their company has the necessary data ready and has an implementation plan that requires immediate access to computational power.
  4. Ethical Impact – The applicant should exemplify a responsible use and understanding of the impact of their AI/ML solution, and a strong commitment to ethical AI practices.
  5. Growth Potential – The applicant should be capable of identifying clear goals and demonstrating their solution has the potential to scale after the programme.
What information is asked for in the application form?

The application form will seek more details about your:

  • Company information and lead applicant
  • Relevance and Feasibility
  • Business strategy
  • Data and Code Readiness
  • Ethical Impact
  • Growth Potential
Can I speak to someone from the BridgeAI team about my applications before submitting it?

Yes. We are holding a Q&A session every Friday afternoon during the application window. Please select a 15-minute slot here to speak to one of the BridgeAI team about your application. They are intended to be informal, open, and accessible to anyone who wishes to participate in the programme, regardless of their background or experience level. They will not have an impact on the judging of your application.

How are applications selected?

Applicants are reviewed by the Digital Catapult team and several external judges and are assessed only on the information provided in the application. Following the first screening, successful candidates will be invited to an interview. For further information, please see the application process.

Will I receive feedback on my application?

Because of the number of applications we receive, we can’t provide feedback on applications that do not progress to the interview stage.

If my application is not successful can I reapply for a later programme?

Yes, you are welcome to apply for any other Digital Catapult accelerator programme.

What if I am involved in another external or Digital Catapult programme?

Unless the Digital Catapult or external programme brief or agreement states otherwise, you can still take part in Digital Catapult programmes, as long as the timings do not cause a conflict of interest and you are eligible to participate.

If you have been part of any previous Digital Catapult programme you are also welcome to join.

If you are having trouble with the application portal?

If you are facing difficulties applying through the Skipso platform or require any accessibility arrangements or considerations, please email [email protected] or. Please select a 15-minute slot here to speak to one of the BridgeAI team 

Applicant company requirements

What are the minimum requirements for the programme?

As well as meeting the selection criteria for this programme, you will need to be able to show that:

  • Applicants must develop solutions enabled by Artificial Intelligence.
  • Applicants must have the necessary skills in artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) to develop the proposed project.
  • Applicants must be eligible to receive £18,000 in State Assistance (see T&C for further details).
  • Applicants must be a UK based registered company, or prove they are a company that has an establishment in the UK, and undertake all activity in the UK.
  • Applicants must be a UK-registered Startup or SME. An SME is any organisation that has fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than €50 million or a balance sheet total less than €43 million.
Can university teams apply?

Applications from university teams are welcomed if they meet the eligibility criteria and are willing to incorporate as a company if accepted into the programme.