Twilio's AI Startup Searchlight

Yes, eligibility is not restricted by geographic location; our search is worldwide! ✨

To be eligible to nominate a startup, the contact person must be at least 21 years old.

Yes, startups can apply directly. However, we recommend that when filling in the form, applicants provide us with a point of contact within the startup. So that we can liaise with them for this awards program, should we need any further additional information.

Unfortunately, Twilions are not eligible to nominate a startup. Nor can their side project or startup be nominated.

It’s totally free for startups to apply directly or for someone to nominate a startup.

We are looking for Startups who are building the future of communications and customer engagement with AI and Twilio. We are looking for solutions and developer tools that are demonstrating how they are using Generative AI and Twilio creatively on channels like Voice, Email, WhatsApp, Conversations or SMS.

Selected honorees (the 16 awarded startups) will be evaluated on their impact by a Judging Committee of Twilions and a Finalist Judging Panel composed of industry experts from both inside and outside of Twilio.

Startups will be evaluated based on four ‘impact factors’:

• Creativity: Is the startup DEMO/Prototype demonstrating creativity, unique features, or solving a complex problem in an effective way. Extra detail and attention is evident in the demo. Prototype has that ✨ something special ✨ to highlight how the startup aims to use Generative AI and Twilio APIs creatively on channels such as: Voice, Email, WhatsApp, Conversations or SMS;
• Long term Impact: By leveraging both Generative AI and Twilio APIs, will the efforts of the startup make an outsized impact for end user experiences;
• Business Impact: DEMO/ Prototype demonstrates that it could significantly benefit the startup in some way, whether by improving the bottom line, introducing needed tech, or tackling a top-of-mind problems;
• Technical Impact: DEMO/Prototype integrates Generative AI alongside Twilio APIs and optimizes for the best end user solutions. Developers demonstrate consideration for various cases and feasibility of getting the DEMO/Prototype into production.

No, any person can nominate an AI startup, as long as the nominator (contact person) ensures that their details are accurate and correct. Nominators must ensure that:

• when nominating a startup they provide accurate information about themselves, the startup that they are nominating and they must provide a point of contact at the startup they are nominating in order for their nominations to be recognised.

We welcome all startup applications and nominated startups, as long as they meet our criteria which is:

• Demonstrate how they are using Generative AI and Twilio creatively on channels like Voice, Email, WhatsApp, Conversations or SMS;
• Have a product in the market or a working demo of your solution they have built that leverages Twilio Innovating and building the future of communications &/or customer experiences with Generative AI with Twilio to delight customers;
• Raised less than $50M in Venture Funding.

Twilio’s AI Startup Searchlight aims to celebrate the builders who are illuminating the future of communications and customer engagement with AI on Twilio.

If the startup you have nominated is selected as an honoree (one of the 16 awarded startups), they will have an opportunity to review the accuracy of the submitted entry form. They will also be asked to provide us with a headshot of either the founders and or their team and grant permission for us to feature them online and on social media, and to check that confidential information has not been included.

Yes! We’ll be showcasing honorees (the 16 awarded startups) on the Twilio blog, social media, and other online channels/ leading technology media outlets;

The virtual consultation will take place with Brandon Leen who is the Head of Twilio Ventures. These consultations will be 1:1 and each of the honorees (the 16 awarded startups) will be able to meet and talk with Brandon around venture funding, partnerships and support and ongoing mentorship.

[email protected]