The Slingshot
An AI Startup Simulation
Can you build the next AI unicorn?
New here? Watch the short intro.
Quick Sessions
25-40 minute games perfect for learning sessions
Real Scenarios
550+ events based on actual AI startup experiences
Interactive Mini-Games
Conference, Investor Pitch, and Demo Day experiences
The Challenge
It's 2026. AI may be the defining technology of our era.
Economists call it a potential general purpose technology—like steam, electricity, or computing—capable of transforming every sector. But GPTs don't apply themselves. The value lies in identifying and exploiting opportunities: discovering solutions that weren't possible before, disrupting established industries, creating entirely new markets.
Across the UK, a new generation of startups is racing to capture this value. Some spin out from world-leading AI labs, pushing the frontier of what's possible. Others bring deep domain expertise—in healthcare, finance, logistics, creative industries—and see exactly where AI could be transformative. All face the same challenge: turning potential into profit before the window closes.
Now it's your turn. Choose your venture, assemble your team, and chase the ultimate prize: a billion-dollar unicorn.
The potential is enormous. So are the risks.
That's what makes it interesting—and that's how you'll learn.
Played by more than 1,800 people across 57 countries, with some founders returning to the game 15 times or more.
Free and open source, built by a small team with its community — not a product you pay for. You’re welcome to join.