The Code Together podcast, hosted by Tony Mongkolsmai, explores big developments in AI technology, through in-depth conversations with experts. In this episode, Tony is joined by Ralph De Wargny, Director of the Intel® Liftoff for Startups program and he shares his experience in mentoring AI startups.
The Intel® Liftoff program is building a community of founders, innovators, startups, CEOs, and CTOs, creating an innovation hub where members can learn from Intel engineers as well as from the experiences and knowledge of the entire community.
Ralph emphasizes that building a successful AI startup comes down to three critical components: team strength, innovative technology, and a viable business model. By embracing these three components, you’re able to develop technology that solves actual problems, and position yourself for long-term success.
A shared vision and dedication fuel creativity and resilience. This sets startups up to better navigate the inevitable challenges, most of which are unique to AI entrepreneurship. Ralph’s sentiment is ‘It's not just about what you create, it's about how you bring it to the world.’
One of the defining features of the Intel® Liftoff program is its focus on community. Ralph believes that innovation does not happen in isolation, which is why the program actively fosters collaboration among startups, industry experts, and investors, creating a network where founders can share insights, pain points, and opportunities.
Because the program is completely virtual, it makes it accessible to anyone, anywhere, especially in emerging regions like Africa and Latin America.
Looking Ahead
Ralph encourages all innovators, engineers, and AI enthusiasts to take advantage of the opportunities to engage with the AI community. Intel® Liftoff for Startups program regularly hosts AI-focused events and hackathons, designed to help startups accelerate their growth and make meaningful connections with mentors, investors, customers, and partners.
If you’d like to hear more of Ralph de Wargny’s thoughts on building successful AI startups and the journey of innovation, don’t miss the full podcast episode. Listen to it here: https://codetogether.podbean.com/
Whether you're a startup in the initial stages of development or looking to scale, Intel® Liftoff provides the tools and community you need to succeed. Learn more about how you can become a part of this community. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/developer/tools/oneapi/liftoff.html
As a Software Tools Ecosystem Specialist at Intel, I’ve had the privilege of working on the dynamic GenAI initiative. My focus is on driving engagement with the software developer audience. I'm a proud team member of the Intel® Liftoff for Startups and the Developer Engagement, Relations, and Studio team.