Mentor | Robotics and Manufacturing

About AI Nexus NYC

AI Nexus NYC is a collaborative hub connecting founders, technologists, researchers, industry experts, and investors dedicated to advancing AI-driven enterprises in New York City. This program provides entrepreneurs with mentorship, technical insight, industry collaborations, and access to a broad innovation network.

Role Overview

We are searching for experienced mentors to support founders developing ventures in robotics, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, supply chain technology, computer vision, and intelligent physical systems. Mentors will guide innovators on transforming technical breakthroughs into market-ready products by advising on product creation, hardware-software integration, manufacturing strategy, customer engagement, enterprise sales processes, financing, and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group mentorship to participating founders.
• Assist teams in refining business models, product development plans, and market entry strategies.
• Offer expertise in robotics, automation, manufacturing operations, and industrial client requirements.
• Support prototype creation, technical validation, pilot program design, and deployment planning.
• Advise on hardware design, supply chains, manufacturing partnerships, quality control, and cost structures.
• Guide navigation of enterprise purchasing processes, system integrations, safety compliance, and extended sales cycles.
• Assist in fundraising readiness, strategic partnerships, and investor evaluations.
• Engage actively in program events including workshops, office hours, and company assessments.
• Deliver direct, constructive, and practical feedback to founders.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership or operational experience within robotics, manufacturing, industrial automation, hardware, logistics, or supply chain technology fields.
• Background as a founder, executive, investor, engineer, researcher, product manager, or manufacturing leader.
• In-depth knowledge of AI applications in robotic and industrial settings.
• Proven track record mentoring, advising, investing in, or supporting early-stage ventures.
• Outstanding communication, coaching abilities, and relationship management skills.
• Understanding of the multifaceted challenges of commercializing physical products.

Preferred Experience

• Involvement with autonomous systems, industrial robotics, computer vision, digital twins, predictive maintenance, warehouse automation, or cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
• Familiarity with hardware development lifecycle, contract manufacturing, supply chain logistics, safety protocols, certification processes, or enterprise-level deployments.
• Established connections within New York’s robotics, manufacturing, investment, research, or startup communities.

Engagement Details

This mentor position is part-time with variable commitments depending on program requirements and mentor availability. Participation includes scheduled office hours, workshops, review sessions, and one-on-one advising.

Why Participate?

• Collaborate closely with driven founders working in healthcare, biotechnology, energy, climate tech, robotics, manufacturing, and other cutting-edge sectors.
• Support the transformation of innovative concepts into scalable business ventures.
• Gain firsthand exposure to venture creation, company growth, early-stage investment, and product commercialization.
• Work alongside a diverse community of entrepreneurs, engineers, researchers, investors, and industry specialists.
• Develop valuable relationships throughout New York City’s technology, academic, investment, and startup ecosystems.
• Contribute to fostering an inclusive community dedicated to responsible AI and tangible societal impact.
• Help fortify New York City’s status as a premier hub for artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.