As part of Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester, startup experts Capital Enterprise are launching a highly specialised accelerator programme for deeptech AI startups in the Greater Manchester area, supporting them to build sustainable businesses and smash their fundraising goals.

Our programme will select and accelerate 60-90 high potential startups in the Greater Manchester area, building deeptech AI solutions for climate, health and generative AI.

Six month hybrid programme

Our AI Accelerator is a 6-month programme designed to provide exceptional AI startups with learning, mentoring, networking and investment opportunities. Our content will be delivered by world-class AI and startup experts, in a hybrid manner.

Topics will include:

Comprehensive Funding Readiness Training

• Grant funding
• Equity investment

Standards and Ethics

• General AI ethics
• EU and UK GDPR

Regulation

• Understanding regulation frameworks
• IP and patents

Pitching

• Storytelling for impact
• Communicating complex tech to non-tech audiences

Founder Self-Care

• Wellbeing and mental health to avoid burnout
• Recruiting and growing a team sustainably

In addition to the AI Accelerator, over the next two years Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester will also be delivering venture builders, skills programmes and a whole host of events and activities to drive the AI ecosystem forward.

Application Process

5th December 2023: Full Application Form Release

w/c 8th January 2024: Interviews with 1st Round Selections

w/c 15th January 2024: Panel Event and Networking Drinks in Manchester

w/c 22nd January 2024: Interviews with 2nd Round Selections

w/c 5th February 2024:  Interviews with 3rd Review Selections

w/c 12th February 2024: Final selections and confirmations

Accelerator Timeline

w/c 3rd March 2024: Pre-accelerator meet-up and accelerator launch

March 2024 – June 2024: General content phase for cohort 1

June 2024 – October 2024: Specialised 1:1 support for cohort 1 startups

June 2024 – October 2024: General content phase for cohort 2

October 2024: Demo day for cohort 1

October 2024 – March 2025: Specialised 1:1 support for cohort 2 startups

March 2025: Demo day for cohort 2

What we are assessing in every stage:

Stage 0: Expression of Interest Form
Fit with Accelerator Theme
Value Proposition

Stage 1: Application Form
Team and Founder Background and Experience
Technology and Innovation
Value Proposition
Fit with Accelerator Theme
Milestones and Traction

Stage 2: Pitch Deck
Market Opportunity
Business Model and Revenue Strategy
Value Proposition
Fit with Accelerator Theme

Stage 3: Interview
Team and Leadership
Business Model and Revenue Strategy
Due Diligence
Fit with Accelerator Theme
Milestones and Traction

Preliminary points system:

1. Team and Leadership (15 points)

• Experience (3 points): Assess the team’s relevant industry experience, particularly in AI, healthcare, sustainability, and generative AI.
• Technical Expertise (5 points): Evaluate the technical expertise of the team in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related domains.
• Leadership (3 points): Consider the leadership qualities, vision, and the founding team’s ability to execute.
• Diversity and Inclusion (4 points): Assess the diversity of the team in terms of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives.

2. Technology and Innovation (20 points)

• Innovation (10 points): Evaluate the uniqueness and innovativeness of the technology or solution.
• Technical Viability (7 points): Assess the technical feasibility and scalability of the product or solution.
• Intellectual Property (3 points): Consider the presence and strength of intellectual property, patents, or unique algorithms.

3. Market Opportunity (15 points)

• Market Size (5 points): Assess the potential size of the target market for the solution.
• Market Demand (5 points): Evaluate the current and future demand for the product or service.
• Competitive Landscape (5 points): Analyse the competitive landscape and the startup’s positioning within it.

4. Value Proposition (15 points)

• Customer Impact (7 points): Assess the potential impact on end-users, customers, or beneficiaries.
• Problem Solving (5 points): Evaluate how well the startup addresses a significant problem or pain point.
• Value Delivery (3 points): Consider the clarity of the value proposition and its potential for differentiation.

5. Business Model and Revenue Strategy (10 points)

• Monetization (5 points): Evaluate the clarity and feasibility of the revenue model.
• Scalability (3 points): Assess the potential for scaling the business model.
• Long-term Viability (2 points): Consider the sustainability and long-term viability of the business model.

6. Milestones and Traction (5 points)

• Traction (3 points): Evaluate current market traction, including customer acquisition, partnerships, and user adoption.
• Milestones Achieved (2 points): Consider the startup’s progress against key milestones.

7. Fit with Accelerator Theme / Goals (5 points)

• Alignment with Themes (2 points): Assess how well the startup aligns with the focus areas of AI for Health, AI for Net Zero, and Generative AI.
• Potential for Acceleration (2 points): Evaluate the potential for the accelerator programme to significantly contribute to the startup’s growth.
• Correct Stage of Growth or Funding (3 points): Identify whether the startup has raised Seed or Series A funding or been recognised as a high potential idea

8. Due Diligence (15 points)

• References and Background Check (5 points): Verify the accuracy of the information provided and check references.
• Legal and Compliance (5 points): Ensure that the startup complies with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Financial Health (5 points): Assess the financial health and stability of the startup.