LaunchLab AI is AITAI’s flagship incubator program, run in partnership with Bloom. This 10-week intensive program is designed to accelerate the launch of AI-driven startups by combining hands-on mentoring, cutting-edge workshops, and real-world applications. It empowers entrepreneurs to transform ambitious ideas into scalable businesses, leveraging an intensive hackathon-style approach combined with deep industry expertise.
Program Format and Logistics
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Schedule: In-person sessions are held every Friday from 2–5 PM.
• Location: The program takes place at the Bloom Bentley Hub, located on the Curtin University Campus.
• Cohort Size: Each cohort is kept small and focused, with only 10–15 participants.
Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Participants master key areas including product-market fit, problem definition, AI product prototyping, and customer need identification.
• Growth Strategies: The program covers techniques for market evaluation, product promotion, customer acquisition, and driving sales growth.
• Practical Application: By the midway point, participants are expected to launch a functional AI product to test in the real world and gather feedback.
• Final Goal: The program culminates in a polished, scalable product and a clear plan for next steps, with the potential for participants to earn revenue. Each cohort builds, validates, and pitches 1-3 startups per participant in a final showcase to industry leaders.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Technical Skills: The program targets tech-savvy founders with at least 2 years of coding experience, whether professional, academic, or hobby-based.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Prior startup experience is not required, but a strong drive, commitment, and the ability to move fast and iterate fearlessly are essential.
• Visionary Outlook: Ideal candidates are exceptional individuals who think differently, embrace uncertainty, and understand the transformative potential of AI.
• Availability: The program is open to everyone, including those who are currently working, studying, or between roles.
Investment and Inclusions
• Program Value: A spot in the program is valued at $4,200, with scholarships and funded spots available.
• Participant Costs: While there is no direct program fee, participants will need to budget for AI credits costing approximately $200.
• Resources: Accepted participants receive free access to the coworking space at Bloom Bentley Hub during program hours. After-hours and weekend access is available at the Bloom Crawley Hub.
• Equipment: Participants only need to bring their own laptop.
Intake Periods
• Cohort 1: February – May (Closed)
• Cohort 2: July – October (Open)
Program Mentors
• Matt Macfarlane: Former CEO of an ASX-listed AI company with a track record in scaling technology firms.
• Vanessa van Beek: Senior Director with extensive leadership experience in strategic planning and business development in the technology sector.
• Ranjeev Sidhu: An AI Product Manager responsible for guiding the development and deployment of AI solutions.
• Jiaranai Keatnuxxsuo: Solution Architect at Microsoft specializing in AI, cloud, and machine learning; also a TEDx speaker and mentor.
• Nadia Reyhani: An AI Product Engineer and AWS Community Builder specializing in machine learning and full-stack development.
• Katarina Miljkovic OAM: A planetary scientist, Associate Professor at Curtin University, and ARC Future Fellow.
• Aidan Morgan: Former CTO of an AI startup who led the technical team in developing AI-driven products.
• Justin Strharski: CEO of humyn.ai, a company specializing in human-centric AI solutions.
• Joshua Morley: Global Head of AI, Data & Analytics at Akkodis and Chair of the Australian Responsible AI Council.
• Ash Shilkin: Founder of two digital banking startups with 20 years of corporate experience in building tangible AI and Web 3 products.
• Lee Goldsworthy: A veteran CTO/CPO with 15+ years of experience advising VC-funded tech companies on scaling products and teams.
• Jeroen van Dalen: Chief Product Officer at Integral and co-founder of the AI-driven health tech startup Boundlss.
• Alex Jenkins: Director of the Western Australian Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH).
• Matthew James: Chief Technology Officer of an ASX-listed artificial intelligence company.
• Jonathan Almeida: Partner at Visagio, specializing in operational excellence and digital transformation.
• Sean Oldenburger: A founder with a background in establishing and leading technology-focused startups.
Partners and Supporters
• Bloom
• WADSIH (Western Australian Data Science Innovation Hub)
• Microsoft
• Curtin University
• UWA
The artificial intelligence landscape has created an unprecedented opportunity, leveling the playing field for founders to build billion-dollar companies, regardless of team size or initial capital. This program serves as a launchpad for exceptional individuals ready to challenge conventional startup wisdom and seize this historic moment. It provides the tools and support for ambitious founders, whether solo or in a team, to build something extraordinary and make their mark on the industry.