Two deeptech graduate startups from the University of Bristol are joining our SETsquared Bristol Propel incubation programme. 

Fidelis AI and EarTide are prize winners of the New Enterprise Competition, the University of Bristol’s longest running startup competition which awards £35,000 of funding to entrepreneurial students, staff and alumni each year. The competition is run by the Basecamp Enterprise Team in the University’s Career Service. 

Fidelis AI is developing cutting-edge synthetic data technology to accelerate the development of AI for autonomous systems.  

Abanoub Ghobrial, Fidelis AI and Rosie Bennett, Bristol Innovations

Dr. Abanoub Ghobrial, a PhD Computer Science graduate and Co-founder and CEO of Fidelis AI, was delighted with the opportunity: “As a company developing technologies to enable the development and safe deployment of autonomous systems at scale, significant support is essential for our growth. A 12-month membership at SETsquared Bristol provides us with access to world-class expertise and networks that will help us scale and achieve our ambitious goals.” 

Fidelis AI has previously won over £75,000 in grant funding from Innovate UK and the University of Bristol to support the development of its innovative technology. 

EarTide is a novel earwax removal device using innovative dual suction and irrigation system, that reduces costs and increases accessibility and efficiency. It receives a 6-month membership to SETsquared Bristol.

Mukund Srinivasa Raghavan, EarTide and Rosie Bennett, Bristol Innovations

Founder Mukund Srinivasa Raghavan, a Master of Engineering graduate, said: “Being selected for SETsquared  is a major milestone and incredible opportunity for EarTide at a crucial point in our journey. The programme will help accelerate our route to market and connect us with the right expertise and investors to scale.” 

The startups will follow many previous awardees that have gone on to achieve success. One of last year’s winners and a SETsquared Bristol member, Weaving Change, has recently been awarded a £50,000 grant by Digital Catapult as part of the MyWorld program. The program, funded by the UKRI Strength in Places fund, will help the sustainable startup to develop a revolutionary new AI in sustainable fashion over 16 weeks. 

Rosie Bennett, Innovation Lead at Bristol Innovations said: “Now in its 25th year, the New Enterprise Competition has talent spotted some of the leading startups and scaleups in the region, including Ultraleap (then Ultrahaptics), iCOMAT, Lettus Grow, Impulsonics and Peequal. 

“We’re delighted to offer incubation support to Fidelis AI and EarTide and look forward to working with the founders to take their business ideas to the next level.” 

Learn more about The New Enterprise Competition. 

Find out more about SETsquared Bristol’s incubation programme.