Accelerating Entrepreneurship

AI Accelerator

Welcome to the University of Edinburgh’s AI Accelerator!

The AI Accelerator is a six-month business development programme designed to nurture AI-driven scale-ups, facilitating transformative change across various sectors. From AgriTech to FinTech, our goal is to leverage AI technology to introduce efficiencies, forge new propositions, and disrupt markets. Our mission is dedicated to using AI for a positive global impact, aiming to save lives and protect the planet. 

AI Accelerator Programme 2024/25: 

Open to Global AI-focused Scale-ups: Entrepreneurs and businesses from across the UK and the world are invited to apply. No prior affiliation with the University of Edinburgh or residency in the UK is required. However, an interest in engaging with the AI and data ecosystem in Scotland is essential. 

The application window for the 2024/25 AI Accelerator programme opens in April. To stay updated, register your interest here to receive notifications on future activities and sessions. 

Upcoming Events 

Join our upcoming info sessions to learn more about the programme: 

  

About the AI Accelerator Programme 

Benefits 

Participants will receive a stipend (without equity requirements), alongside workshops, one-to-one mentorships, and networking opportunities with investors and potential customers. Additionally, participants will have access to prestigious office space in Edinburgh city centre. 

The University of Edinburgh's programme is delivered by the 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 the University’s Data-Driven Innovation Hubs, in contribution to the Data-Driven Entrepreneurship programme. 

Hear from Our Programme Manager: 

Watch our AI Accelerator programme manager, Katy Guthrie, answers 3 key questions about the programme:

  • What are the benefits of the programme? [0:09]
  • What is the structure of the programme? [1:02]
  • How to be a successful applicant? [1:24]

 

Video: Katy AI Accelerator Video
AI Accelerator Video

 

The sales and negotiation training and mentoring we received through the AI Accelerator have been transformational – it has opened up conversations with new contacts and been instrumental in us winning bigger contracts.

Rachel Curtis, CEO, Inicio.AI, Previous AI Accelerator participant

 

Cohorts

decorative image
View current and past AI Accelerator Cohorts.

Key Themes

decorative image
Learn more about the key themes which the accelerator companies must focus on.

Success Stories

decorative image
Read about the success from previous cohort companies.