Mentor – Robotics and Manufacturing

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New York.

📋 Description

• Provide guidance to participating founders through both individual and group mentoring sessions.

• Assist teams in refining their business models, developing product roadmaps, and strategizing for commercialization.

• Offer insights on robotics, automation, manufacturing operations, and the needs of industrial customers.

• Support the development of prototypes, technical validation, pilot design, and deployment planning.

• Advise on aspects of hardware development, supply chain management, manufacturing partnerships, quality systems, and unit economics.

• Help founders navigate enterprise procurement processes, systems integration, safety regulations, and lengthy sales cycles.

• Aid in fundraising preparation, establishing strategic partnerships, and conducting investor diligence.

• Engage in program events, workshops, office hours, and company review sessions.

• Provide honest, constructive, and actionable feedback.

• Convert technical innovations into commercially viable products.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive leadership or operational experience in robotics, manufacturing, industrial automation, hardware, logistics, supply chain technology, or a similar field.

• Background as a founder, executive, investor, engineer, researcher, product leader, or manufacturing operator.

• Strong comprehension of AI applications within robotics and industrial settings.

• Experience in advising, mentoring, investing in, or supporting early-stage companies.

• Exceptional communication, coaching, and relationship-building abilities.

• Understanding of the technical, operational, and commercial challenges associated with bringing physical products to market.

• Preferred: experience with autonomous systems, industrial robotics, computer vision, digital twins, predictive maintenance, warehouse automation, or advanced manufacturing.

• Preferred: knowledge of hardware development, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, safety, certification, or enterprise deployment.

• Preferred: established network within New York’s robotics, manufacturing, investment, research, or startup ecosystem.

• Availability for a part-time mentor role with commitments varying based on program needs and mentor availability.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunity to assist in building and supporting the next generation of AI-driven companies in New York City.

• Collaborate directly with ambitious founders across sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, energy, climate technology, robotics, manufacturing, and other emerging industries.

• Gain exposure to venture creation, company building, early-stage investing, and commercialization processes.

• Work alongside entrepreneurs, engineers, researchers, investors, corporate leaders, and industry experts.

• Build meaningful relationships within New York City’s technology, academic, investment, and startup communities.

• Contribute to an inclusive community dedicated to responsible AI development and real-world impact.

• Play a role in strengthening New York City’s status as a leading hub for artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.