Startup Analyst Intern: Physical AI & Manufacturing
Autonomous Systems · Industrial Robotics · Semiconductor Equipment · Smart Manufacturing · Aerospace & Space
About F50 & the Physical AI Ecosystem
F50 accelerates the growth of the physical AI and deep tech ecosystem across the Texas, San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The F50 Physical AI Summit — held April 29 at SVAI Hub and June 11 in Dallas— convenes leading founders, operators, and investors at the frontier of robots, autonomous systems, and intelligent manufacturing. As an intern supporting this initiative, you will work directly within our startup evaluation pipeline, helping surface and validate the companies shaping the next industrial revolution.
Position Overview
We are seeking a sharp, curious, and self-driven analyst intern to join our team. This internship offers hands-on exposure to the fastest-moving sectors in tech — from autonomous drones to AI-powered semiconductor fabrication. You will play a direct role in prescreening and analyzing early- to growth-stage startups for F50's programs and events, with a focus on five key verticals:
- Autonomous Aerial Systems (Drones): Redefining the skies
- Industrial & Service Robotics: From the factory floor to the front door
- AI-Enhanced Semiconductor Equipment: The silicon backbone of intelligence
- Smart Manufacturing & Industrial AI: The future of autonomous production
- Aerospace & Space Infrastructure: Scaling AI beyond Earth's atmosphere
Responsibilities
Startup Prescreening & Analysis
- Research and pre evaluate early- to growth-stage startups (typically $5M–$100M raising) across the five physical AI verticals.
- Build and maintain structured screening profiles covering technology differentiation, market positioning, team composition, funding history, and competitive landscape.
- Score and rank startup candidates against F50's evaluation criteria to support speaker and program selection.
- Track startup activity, funding rounds, product launches, and executive announcements relevant to the five sectors.
Market Research & Industry Intelligence
- Monitor trends, investment activity, regulatory developments, and technology shifts across physical AI and advanced manufacturing.
- Synthesize competitive intelligence from investor reports, industry publications, and conference coverage.
- Contribute thematic research to F50's newsletter and content initiatives covering physical AI developments.
Reporting & Communications
- Prepare clear, concise research memos and analysis decks for internal stakeholders and investor panels.
- Assist in maintaining the startup tracking spreadsheet and outreach workflow for event pipeline management.
- Support ad-hoc data and report requests tied to the F50 Physical AI Summit and related programming.
Qualifications
Required
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's (Junior year or beyond)
- or master's degree program in engineering, computer science, business, economics, or a related field.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical and business information.
- Proficiency in Google Drive for data tracking, reporting, and presentations.
- Very good knowledge of AI research tools including Claude, ChatGPT/OpenAI, Grok, or Google Gemini, NoteBook LM.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Preferred
- Genuine interest in or coursework related to robotics, autonomous systems, semiconductors, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing.
- Previous experience in startup research, venture capital, market analysis, or technology journalism.
- Familiarity with startup databases such as Crunchbase.
Internship Details
- Duration: Spring to Late October 2026
- Location: Cedar Park Texas, or Remote (Texas or Silicon Valley preferred)
- Hours: Flexible — approximately 10 -15 hours/week standard, scaling to 25 hours during peak event periods
- Compensation: Unpaid
Application
- Please provide a simple cover letter state why you quality for this role
- Please provide your availability for the internship, in school and summer.
- More info: https://f50.me/join
