[22/03/24] Bayes Centre News: Celebrating Innovation and Community at the 5th Anniversary AI Accelerator Showcase

The University of Edinburgh AI Accelerator programme celebrated a significant milestone with its Showcase Event on 20th March 2024, hosted in the prestigious Playfair Library Hall. This special occasion not only spotlighted the innovative endeavours of the latest cohort of AI scaleups but also commemorated the programme's fifth anniversary, underscoring the transformative potential of AI across various sectors.

Event Highlights and Celebrating Five Years of Transformation 

Opening the 2024 Showcase, Professor Ruth King, Director of the Bayes Centre, extended a warm welcome, marking the programme's fifth anniversary with reflections on its profound impact and growth. This was followed by Nick Jones, founder & CEO of Zumo and an esteemed alumnus from the inaugural cohort. Jones shared his journey and experiences, underscoring the themes of entrepreneurship and innovation within the tech ecosystem.

Reflecting on the last five years, it's the community, resilience, and breakthroughs that stand out.

John Brodie, the AI Accelerator’s Entrepreneur in Residence and co-founder of data analytics consultancy Aquila Insight shared his journey as the AI Accelerator’s Entrepreneur in Residence and made an appeal to encourage others to join.

The most inspiring part of this programme is not only the talent within the cohorts but also the collaboration and support between all of the companies involved. As I step down from the AI Accelerator, I appeal for experienced entrepreneurs to join as mentors for this incredible programme.

The day concluded with a vibrant networking session, where attendees formed new connections and explored collaborative opportunities, reinforcing the event's role in not only highlighting technology but also in cultivating a community dedicated to future advancements.

Celebrating Excellence: Awards and Acknowledgments 

While recognising the contributions of the cohort, the 2024 AI Accelerator Showcase served as a platform to celebrate notable achievements within the tech community. The awards ceremony highlighted the creativity and impact of the scale-ups, underscoring the importance of innovation in AI for Climate Change, AI for Health, and AI for Good.

Winners: 

• Peer to Peer Award: Fiona Gillies (Co-founder & CEO) and Christine Hartland (Co-founder & COO) at My Smash Media 
• AI for Climate Change Award: bennu.ai, for developing smart and automated waste solutions for businesses, significantly improving recycling rates and reducing carbon footprints and waste management costs. 
• AI for Health Award: Dyneval, for their Dynescan Semen Analyser, a pioneering device providing new insights to improve male fertility and outcomes. 
• AI for Good Award: My Smash Media, for their AI-driven content and talent marketplace that connects creators with commissioners, financiers, and other decision-makers in new film & TV projects.

Each winner was chosen for their innovative approach to tackling significant challenges in their respective fields, demonstrating the potential of AI and technology to drive positive change.

The talent and innovation displayed at this year's showcase were unparalleled. Each company not only displayed what is currently possible with AI but also opened new avenues for what the future of technology holds. We are immensely proud of all our participants and congratulate the winners and special mentions for their outstanding contributions.

2024 AI Accelerator Cohort 

The 2024 AI Accelerator Showcase presents an extraordinary group of innovators from diverse sectors, each leveraging AI to tackle pressing global challenges. 

Related Links:  

• AI Accelerator Programme  
• AI Accelerator Alumni Success Stories