Mentor – Robotics and Manufacturing

AI Nexus NYC brings together founders, technologists, researchers, industry leaders, and investors to build and scale AI-enabled companies in New York City. The program supports entrepreneurs through mentorship, technical expertise, industry partnerships, and access to a broader innovation network.

Position Summary

AI Nexus NYC is seeking experienced mentors to advise founders building companies across robotics, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, supply chain technology, computer vision, and intelligent physical systems.

Mentors will help founders translate technical innovation into commercially viable products. They will provide guidance on product development, hardware and software integration, manufacturing strategy, customer discovery, enterprise sales, financing, and company growth.

• Advise participating founders through individual and group mentoring sessions.
• Help teams refine their business models, product roadmaps, and commercialization strategies.
• Provide guidance on robotics, automation, manufacturing operations, and industrial customer needs.
• Support founders with prototype development, technical validation, pilot design, and deployment planning.
• Advise on hardware development, supply chains, manufacturing partners, quality systems, and unit economics when relevant.
• Help founders navigate enterprise procurement, systems integration, safety requirements, and long sales cycles.
• Support fundraising preparation, strategic partnerships, and investor diligence.
• Participate in program events, workshops, office hours, and company reviews.
• Provide candid, constructive, and actionable feedback.

• Significant leadership or operating experience in robotics, manufacturing, industrial automation, hardware, logistics, supply chain technology, or a related field.
• Experience as a founder, executive, investor, engineer, researcher, product leader, or manufacturing operator.
• Strong understanding of AI applications in robotics and industrial environments.
• Experience advising, mentoring, investing in, or supporting early-stage companies.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of the technical, operational, and commercial challenges involved in bringing physical products to market.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with autonomous systems, industrial robotics, computer vision, digital twins, predictive maintenance, warehouse automation, or advanced manufacturing.
• Familiarity with hardware development, contract manufacturing, supply chain management, safety, certification, or enterprise deployment.
• An established network across New York’s robotics, manufacturing, investment, research, or startup ecosystem.

Engagement

This is a part-time mentor appointment. Time commitments will vary based on program needs and mentor availability. Mentors may participate through scheduled office hours, workshops, company reviews, and individual advisory sessions.