Microsoft has announced the launch of its GenAI Accelerator, in partnership with chipmaker Nvidia, to help UK startups access the resources, expertise and support they need to scale their generative AI products.
The Microsoft GenAI Accelerator will run from 22 January to 5 March 2025 and is designed to cater to UK startups that have secured seed funding and are ready to “take their products to the next level”.
The project is specifically looking for companies exploring solutions to improve people’s lives, create jobs and have a significant economic impact.
Microsoft has announced the 2025 AI Accelerator program
The Accelerator’s hybrid format, combining online and physical components, is expected to improve accessibility and support startups from across the UK, not just those with close ties to London and the South East.
At the end of the program , Microsoft will host a ‘Demo Day’ where participants can pitch their products to venture capitalists and private equity firms in the hope of securing further financial support.
“By supporting local AI startups and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, Microsoft and our partners are helping to build a vibrant and sustainable AI community in the UK and create the technology powerhouses of tomorrow,” said Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft.
Startups selected for the program will benefit from one-on-one sessions with Microsoft’s AI ‘Black Belt’ specialists in AI and ML, as well as mentoring from experts at Nvidia and GitHub.
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Serge Palaic, Nvidia’s VP for Hyperscale Alliance in EMEA, added: “By leveraging NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform, startups can accelerate their AI development and improve performance.”
Applications are open from today until 22 November, with a shortlist from 9 December.
The company added: “We particularly encourage companies looking to build AI-native solutions on Microsoft’s cloud to embrace it.”