The AI Accelerator, hosted by the University of Edinburgh, is now seeking applications from disruptive startups based in the UK and beyond

Running for six months from mid-September, the scheme looks to provide an ideal platform to develop an investment strategy and meet potential investors, as well as the opportunity for scale through a series of workshops.

The initiative features in-person and virtual support, led by the Data-Driven Innovation Programme of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal, to transform participating AI-focused startups into world-leading businesses.

These workshops will cover a range of commercialisation issues from product pricing to leadership.

Programme components will be delivered by the University of Edinburgh’s Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence; the Bayes Centre as part of the Bayes Centre DDE Innovation; and Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service.

Prospective members of the new cohort for the AI Accelerator have until the 26th May to apply.

Katy Guthrie, Programme Leader of AI Accelerator, said: “Through the AI Accelerator we are helping transform innovative startups into world-leading companies and supporting wider economic growth.

“Our commitment to promoting AI for good is aimed at encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs who are focused on addressing key societal challenges such as tackling climate change or health inequalities.”  

Charlotte Waugh, Enterprise and Innovation Programme Lead at Edinburgh Innovations, commented: “We’re delighted to invite applications for the next AI Accelerator, a highly successful programme that is helping maximise the commercial potential of innovative start-up companies.

“The programme provides founders with top level strategic advice and focuses on practical issues to help companies to achieve their growth aspirations. We also connect our cohorts to the local, national and international investment community which has been critical in helping participating companies secure millions of pounds in growth capital.”

Previous successes

The 12-strong inaugural cohort of startups managed to raise a combined £4.3 million through equity investments and grant funding awards while on the AI Accelerator programme.

Among the participants were:

• Carcinotech, a cancer research company which manufactures 3D printed tumours using patient-derived cancer stem cells, primary cells and established cell lines;
• Chara.ai, a screenplay platform which looks to give a voice to more diverse writers;
• Indigo, Milan-based creators of a no-code platform that enables companies to easily build, scale and analyse conversational experiences.

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