Oxbridge AI Challenge 2025

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
The Oxbridge AI Challenge 2025 offers £60K in equity-free prize money, feedback, support, and access to one of the fastest growing and successful AI Entrepreneurship communities in the world. Last year 220 startups joined with previous finalists since 2023 not raising over $34 million.

This is an early stage startup competition and incubator taking people from idea stage all the way up to seed. 
“Don’t be a perfectionist. Believe in yourself! We do and we’ll help everyone who wants a chance!” Founder and President, Udai Dhamija.
The challenge brings together the brightest minds from Oxford and Cambridge. Join one of the world’s premier AI entrepreneurship incubator and pitch competition now! 

Key Details:
•    Total Prizes: £60K equity-free + £150K Azure credits
•    Format: Applications → November rounds → December finals
•    Partners: Microsoft for Startups, Digital Realty, Kings E-Lab, Keble College, Oxford Seed Fund
 

Eligibility:

• Early stage ideas and startups (Seed and Pre-seed, but more mature startups are welcome to apply)
• Individual or team submissions
• At least one founding member being an Oxford or Cambridge student, staff and/or alumni. *Includes undergraduate, post graduate, and PhD studies, current and alumni for staff, post doctoral fellows, and others.

Remember only one founding member must be from either the Oxford or Cambridge communities.

Past winners can not apply with the same startup/concept/idea.

Background

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

Brought to you after the success of the Oxbridge AI Challenge 2023 AI Pitch Competition and Incubation Programme.

In partnership with Oxford University Artificial Intelligence Society (OxAI) and the Cambridge University Entrepreneurs (CUE).

The competition is AI-focused, and encompasses local rounds held in Oxford and Cambridge, culminating in a final round taking place in London in early December.