Bristol Women in AI For Science Breakfast
From 23rd - 27th February 2026, Pillar VC and Nucleate UK are touring the UK to find the most ambitious frontier builders, early founders and researchers. This tour is powered by the UK's Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
If you haven’t already registered your interest in becoming a fellow, please complete this form the application window is Feb 15 - March 28
Join us for a morning of connection and conversation, hosted by Pillar VC and Nucleate UK.
We’re bringing together women working at the intersection of AI, deep-tech, and entrepreneurship to:
Explore the frontiers of AI - with a spotlight on how advanced models are being applied across scientific disciplines, from drug discovery to materials design. We'll discuss what's new, and what's next.
Share support - quick overviews on how Pillar VC can support you, and a spotlight on the Encode: AI for Science Fellowship.
Deepen relationships - from academia, to industry, to venture. We're committed to ensuring you meet someone new, who can support your work long after the event ends.
What's the agenda? During the event, we'll engage in a quick group discussion and facilitate new connections amongst the group too. Our goal throughout is to accelerate your work.
Who should join? Whether you’re a founder building in AI, an academic with a bold research idea, or simply curious about the future of science and technology, this breakfast is a chance to meet peers and spark collaborations.
This event is a woman-focused event that intends an inclusive definition of women. We are welcoming and respectful of women, including trans women and those who are nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and anyone who identifies as a woman in a way that is significant to them. We also welcome allies who are committed to creating environments that are supportive of people who are typically underrepresented in the workplace and beyond.
📍 Bristol
☕ Light buffet refreshments provided
🤝 Spaces are limited - please register to join
Note: There may be photography at this event. If you would not like photos shared publicly across organisers' social media, please reach out to the organising team.
About the organisers:
About Pillar VC: Pillar VC is a venture capital firm, proudly building Encode: AI for Science. With a significant track record of investing in over 90 companies, approximately 50% of which have roots in university research, Pillar VC has successfully raised $500 million across four funds. The Encode Fellowship, powered by ARIA and DSIT, brings together the brightest minds in AI with pioneering scientific research across the UK. Over 12 months, Encode Fellows are embedded in leading labs to advance frontier research, apply AI to accelerate discovery, and help launch new ventures or research organisations rooted in deep tech breakthroughs.
About Nucleate: Nucleate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders. With chapters spanning 41 geographic regions and participation from over 280 academic institutions, Nucleate sparks new intellectual communities and embeds emerging talent within a global biotech community. Through open-access educational programming, Nucleate helps democratise biotech innovation — removing barriers and helping founders concentrate on building transformational technologies.
About ARIA: The Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) is an R&D funding agency created to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. Created by an Act of Parliament, and sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, ARIA funds teams of scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of what is scientifically and technologically possible. ARIA’s flagship Activation Partner initiative accelerates this mission, and powers the Encode Fellowship.
About DSIT: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is a ministerial department positioning the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement. DSIT's mission is to accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, ensure that new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK and drive forward a modern digital government for the benefit of its citizens. DSIT’s Sovereign AI unit accelerates this mission, and powers the Encode Fellowship.