When AI stands for augmented intelligence

IMAGINE you are given a million dollars to invest in a pool of 15 startups. You have two hours to review their pitch decks and make a swift but sound assessment. Do you spread your eggs across several baskets or go big on one outstanding startup?

You mull over your choice, measuring them against your standards of innovativeness and business potential. Drawing on your industry experience, you identify the stars and eliminate the weaker teams. Rinse and repeat.

This is essentially the challenge confronting universities, investors and partners involved in open innovation – how to scale this process of selection and judgment. As universities take on a more active role in nurturing entrepreneurship, they must evaluate startups fairly and allocate scarce resources including funding, mentorship and incubator space to the ventures with the greatest potential.