Company: News
OLAI at the TBAT Innovation Challenge
Named one of the top 10 finalists in the TBAT Innovation Challenge 2026, OLAI shared its mission to help people do everyday digital tasks independently.
OLAI was named one of the top 10 finalists in the TBAT Innovation Challenge 2026. On 7 October 2026, our founder, Yasmin Sidat, took to the stage at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon to pitch to judges, investors and business leaders.
Why we were there
OLAI began as a personal story of ageing parents, and that’s the story we begin with.
11.3 million people in the UK lack basic digital skills, and 86% of the people we surveyed rely on family or a carer for everyday digital tasks. Booking a GP appointment, managing a bank account or renewing a bus pass have all moved online, and not everyone can follow.
That’s why we built OLAI: guided AI that helps older and disabled adults do everyday tasks online independently.
Highlights from the night
The best conversations happened off stage. Again and again, investors and founders told us the same thing: they are the person their parents call for tech help.
A few things we’re taking away:
- The problem is personal for almost everyone. Nearly every person we spoke to had a parent, grandparent or relative who struggles online.
- Carers want support, not more work. Families loved the idea of helping someone without having to take over.
- Founders share the journey. It was a privilege to pitch alongside nine other brilliant finalists building the future of UK innovation.
Thank you to TBAT Innovation, headline sponsor Shakespeare Martineau, Barclays Eagle Labs, Dains, FundingHero and the judges for an incredible evening.
What’s next
OLAI is in beta, and we’re welcoming our first 100 users. We’re working closely with each of them to learn, improve and build what matters most before our full launch.
There are three ways to get involved:
Help us give millions of people their independence back.