Empowering AI & Robotics Entrepreneurs with Bosch and Philips
Bosch and Philips teamed up with the Founder Institute to foster innovation in Pittsburgh by accelerating early-stage startups in AI and robotics. Through the AI & Robotics Founder Syndicate, the initiative played a crucial role in positioning Pittsburgh as a hotspot for cutting-edge technological breakthroughs.
The Challenge
In the late 2010s, Pittsburgh emerged as a hotspot for AI, robotics, and self-driving car technologies. As the region’s ecosystem for innovation grew, representatives from Philips and Bosch recognized the need to establish stronger connections with early-stage tech companies. These global corporations aimed to build relationships with local organizations at the forefront of innovation and support promising entrepreneurs in the robotics and AI sectors. However, there was a gap between the corporate giants and the emerging startup community, limiting access to the resources and mentorship required to accelerate the development of groundbreaking technologies.
Philips and Bosch were particularly focused on fostering innovation that could help them enhance their technology offerings, especially in healthcare and IoT solutions. Their challenge was to identify and support high-potential startups that could complement their own corporate goals, while also empowering the local startup ecosystem in Pittsburgh.
The Solution: AI & Robotics Founder Syndicate
To address this challenge, FI launched the AI & Robotics Founder Syndicate, an accelerator focused on early-stage AI and robotics startups. Aligned with the strategic goals of Philips, Bosch, and Coal Hill Ventures, the program created a collaborative ecosystem that helped founders turn their ideas into scalable businesses.
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1AI & Robotics Themed Accelerator
C FI awarded fellowships to top applicants, giving them the opportunity to participate in a tailored program that addressed real-world corporate challenges presented by Philips and Bosch.
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2Collaborative Network
FI built a coalition of Pittsburgh’s top tech organizations, including Carnegie Mellon University, The Robotics Hub, and Innovation Works, creating an ecosystem where startups could connect with mentors, investors, and experts.
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3Request for Startups (RFS)
Philips and Bosch provided a curated list of challenges and technological needs, ensuring that the startups’ efforts were aligned with real-world corporate requirements. These challenges were shared with the accelerator cohort to guide their innovation.
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4Mentorship from Industry Experts
Over 60+ AI and robotics mentors from companies like Bosch, Philips, Bosa Nova Robotics, and Neya Systems provided critical feedback and guidance to startups in the program.
Key Takeaways
The collaboration between Philips, Bosch, and Coal Hill Ventures resulted in significant impacts for Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem, empowering startups to create solutions with long-term potential.
Results
The AI & Robotics Founder Syndicate program led to notable achievements:
What's Next
Building on the success of the AI & Robotics Founder Syndicate program, Philips, Bosch, and Coal Hill Ventures aim to:
- Continue Supporting the Startup Ecosystem: By providing ongoing mentorship and resources, the partners are committed to fostering innovation within Pittsburgh’s growing AI and robotics sectors.
- Invest in the Growth of AI and Robotics: The program has contributed to positioning Pittsburgh as a growing hub for AI and robotics, and the partners are focused on nurturing the local ecosystem through continuous support and engagement.
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Pittsburgh AI & Robotics Hub -
Mentorship and Global Network
- 300+
- Attendees Joined In-Person Events
- 60+
- Expert Mentors from AI, Robotics, and Tech Companies
- 3+
- AI Startups Formed, Including Dorothy AI (PATENT SEARCH), ADIPTA (HEALTHCARE AI), and AI Ambassadors (CONSULTANCY)
- $2M
- Partner Deals and Resources Were Made Available
The Founder Institute AI syndicate will help us to identify early initiatives and may accelerate the deployment of AI for healthtech, adding clear value for both healthcare systems and the consumer.
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More About Founder Institute
The Founder Institute (FI.co) is the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator. Since 2009, we have helped tens of thousands of employees and new/ idea-stage entrepreneurs validate, test, and launch startups worth an estimated $30BN+. Our mission is to activate and empower talented and motivated entrepreneurs to build meaningful technology businesses worldwide
The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 8,100 entrepreneurs raise over 1.9BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
