Inicio AI triumphs in a major pitch competition, standing out among 140 competitors.
- The firm secured a £1 million investment at Birmingham’s ‘One to Win’ event.
- Inicio AI unveiled Budgie AI, a tool for financial support automation.
- Judges praised its innovative approach and future growth potential.
- Other finalists included ChangeMaker3D and Skyfarer, showcasing diverse tech innovations.
Inicio AI claimed victory at the prestigious ‘One to Win’ competition amid a competitive field of 140 entrants. The company’s innovative product, Budgie AI, aims to streamline financial support services by eliminating the need for human interaction, a feature that has attracted partnerships with Northumbrian Water, credit agency TransUnion, and IT services provider Wavenet.
The firm was awarded a £1 million prize, reportedly the largest of its kind in UK pitch competitions. This achievement is indicative of the firm’s potential to transform consumer finance through technological innovation.
The competition was a highlight of Birmingham Tech Week, conducted with the support of notable investors and figures in the West Midlands’ tech scene, including Rigby Group, SCC, and the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund. Such backing underscores the importance placed on fostering technological advancements in the region.
Judges, including Steve Rigby of Rigby Group and Yiannis Maos of Tech Week organizer TechWM, evaluated participants on their potential for innovation and growth. They emphasized the necessity for a game-changing approach, which Inicio AI evidently demonstrated.
Yiannis Maos remarked: “The One to Win competition is a testament to our ongoing efforts to nurture, support and promote the thriving tech ecosystem in the West Midlands. We firmly believe that our region is a hidden gem in the global tech landscape and we’ve been working tirelessly to showcase its immense potential.”
The other finalists, ChangeMaker3D, a pioneer in 3D concrete printing, and Skyfarer, a startup focused on drone use for medical applications, also highlighted the diverse technological advancements emerging from the region.
Inicio AI’s success at the One to Win event reflects the burgeoning potential of the West Midlands tech industry.