The six-month programme, delivered by the University of Edinburgh, will widen its selection process this year, to encourage a broader range of scaleups from tech-focused companies to benefit from a package of support aimed at helping transform their businesses into world-leading companies. 

The AI Accelerator has a strong track record of supporting innovative businesses and, this year, will be joined by Daniel Winterstein as Technical Entrepreneur in Residence. A PhD graduate at the University of Edinburgh and co-founder of ethical adtech company Good-Loop, Daniel will offer technical guidance and mentorship as part of the Accelerator’s wider support network.

Daniel Winterstein comments: “As the only UK city to be named an AI leader, it’s fair to say that we have a real opportunity here and I am so excited to meet the cohort. Access to capital and talent are their biggest barriers to growth in the UK and we want to support them to overcome these challenges with our programme so that as a city and a university we can continue to lead the way with AI.”

The programme, delivered by the University of Edinburgh’s world-leading Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Bayes Centre in collaboration with Edinburgh Innovations, will feature monthly in-person workshops complemented by additional activities delivered online and two trips to London.

The AI Accelerator gives companies a platform to shape their investment strategies and connect with potential investors. Participants also take part in expert-led workshops covering pricing, leadership, and scaling – all designed to drive commercial growth.

The University of Edinburgh is home to the largest centres for computing science and informatics in Europe. Through access to its academic expertise and links into the Data- Driven Innovation hubs, AI Accelerator participants will also benefit from collaboration and business exposure opportunities.

Among last year’s participants were Chirrup, a business that helps landholders to thrive with biodiversity, by providing sensors and reporting tools that show the level of natural capital they already have. Gaining clarity on their "bullseye target" at the AI accelerator enabled Chirrup to concentrate their efforts on food processor intermediaries. This focused approach facilitated the development of marketing and sales tools specifically crafted to address these clients' unique challenges and maximise value.

Dr Murray Collins, CEO, Space Intelligence who participated in the 2021 cohort commented: “The programme introduced us to the different skills needed to grow a business over and above our academic and technical ability. As a result, we have grown significantly, including raising investment at seed and Series A stages from with investment from global name entities like Equinor and Intercontinental Exchange, owners of the New York Stock Exchange.

“Since the Accelerator, we’ve publicly worked with major clients, such as Shell and Apple, and won several funding competitions that have helped to solidify our position as a leading player in this space.”

Katy Guthrie, Programme Manager of the AI Accelerator, said: “AI is having a profoundly positive impact on companies and their growth across the globe and through our programme we are helping transform innovative startups into world-leading companies and supporting wider economic growth. Space Intelligence is just one example of the success that can be achieved, and we are inviting startups and scaleups from tech-businesses across the globe to join us.

“We’ve also decided to open our selection process to encourage a broader range of businesses to benefit, and we’ll be refocusing on scaleups with products that are ready to make an impact.”

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