University seeking world-leading innovators for new AI Accelerator programme
by Startacus Admin
.png)
University of Edinburgh's AI Accelerator opens the call for innovative 'AI for Good' scale-ups to be part of its sixth cohort.
A University of Edinburgh initiative which helps emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies maximise their full commercial potential is now accepting applications for its 2023 programme. Open to both Scottish and international companies, the AI Accelerator is seeking innovative scale-ups to be part of its sixth cohort.
Since its launch in 2018, the programme has supported a wide range of innovative AI companies including Edinburgh-based cancer research business Carcinotech; climate monitoring solution provider Space Intelligence; and Zumo, which has now become the UK's leading crypto wallet and payment platform. These and other University of Edinburgh AI Accelerator participant companies have gone on to secure well in excess of £30m of external investment.
This year’s programme is open to applications until 15 May, from scalable, incorporated companies with high growth potential. They must have a strong focus on using ‘AI for good’ to deliver societal benefits in key areas including health and wellbeing, social care, and environmental stewardship.
The 12 companies selected for the next AI Accelerator, which will run for six months from mid-September, will benefit from support aimed at helping transform their businesses into world-leaders with a strong focus on investment strategy development and direct engagement with potential investors. Along with some generous financial support, newly accepted cohort companies will also be given the opportunity to scale their business through a series of workshops with trainers and mentors covering a range of commercialisation issues from product pricing to leadership.
As home to the largest centres for computing science and informatics in Europe, the University of Edinburgh’s academic expertise and links into the Data-Driven Innovation hubs provides further value for the companies participating in the AI Accelerator. The University has also been ranked second in the UK and 15th globally for Data Science in this year’s QS World University Rankings.
The 2023 programme will once again be delivered both digitally and in-person by The University of Edinburgh’s world-leading Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Bayes Centre, and supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service. It is delivered on behalf of its Data-Driven Innovation Hubs, in contribution to the Data-Driven Entrepreneurship programme.
Among the companies taking part in the most recent AI Accelerator programme was US-based MindTrace, developers of a clinical decision support tool that reduces uncertainty associated with neurosurgery. The 2022 cohort also included Edinburgh’s Danu Robotics, a technology solution innovator which has greatly improved speed and accuracy with waste sorting and contaminants removal; and Microplate Dx, a University of Strathclyde spin-out which has revolutionised the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Launching this year’s AI Accelerator, Kim Graham, University of Edinburgh Provost and Vice-Principal of Research and Enterprise, said: “The AI Accelerator is a highly collaborative, world-leading programme that is driving forward innovation and helping companies using AI for good to maximise their commercial potential.
“Along with the cross-sector academic and strategic advice on offer, the programme helps AI innovators build their global networks and provides an ideal window to external investment opportunities to help them scale their businesses. The AI Accelerator delivers real economic impact through its support of both Scottish-based businesses as well as international companies which may be looking to locate their operations here. We look forward to attracting the best applications from across the globe, reflecting the University of Edinburgh’s 60 years of leading the world in AI research.”
Stuart Hannah, co-founder and CEO of MicroplateDx, a participant in last year’s AI Accelerator, said: “The AI Accelerator programme has been transformational for me personally and for the business. We have been involved in a number of other accelerators in the past, but the University of Edinburgh programme has proven unique in terms of its impact connecting us with key investors, and providing us with clear guidance and mentoring to help develop the business.”
Interested in applying? You can do just that via the AI Accelerator site.
Best of luck to all who do!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.
.jpg)
John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.
The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.
Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.
London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
The lowdown on Dublin-based startup and NUI Maynooth spin-out Neuromod Devices and its innovative evidence-based bimodal neuromodulation treatment for chronic tinnitus.
.jpg)
With the clear shift towards generative AI, Richard Hayes, search director at digital marketing agency Catalyst explores what it means for SEO...
Published on: 18th April 2023
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.
