Microsoft has launched a UK AI startup accelerator in partnership with London-based non-public funding platform Seedrs.
The Collection AI program goals to assist collaborating startups construct and combine AI expertise. The four-week accelerator, open to startups from Seed stage to Collection A, will embody mentorship, useful resource sharing and commercialization help.
“Over the previous few years, the UK has change into a world chief in synthetic intelligence,” mentioned Seedrs CEO John Lake.
“Our thriving ecosystem advantages from a superb expertise pool fueled by among the finest STEM universities on the earth and a sympathetic regulatory surroundings, so it's no shock that it was the second most funded sector within the UK final yr. “
Among the many collaborating startups, six finalists will probably be chosen to pitch their companies to enterprise capital companies Vektor Companions and SFC.
“We're delighted to be working with Seedrs to assist startups benefit from the AI ​​alternative,” mentioned Microsoft UK accomplice enterprise common supervisor Orla McGrath.
“By constructing their revolutionary AI options on the Microsoft Cloud, startups have the chance to make use of this thrilling expertise to remodel each trade for the higher.”
The Collection AI program will start on Might 1st.
The launch of the accelerator follows Microsoft's announcement final week of a brand new AI hub in London. Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft's head of AI and co-founder of DeepMind, mentioned the trillion-dollar firm plans to “make a big, long-term funding” in Britain, which comprises “an unlimited pool of AI expertise and experience.” .
Microsoft pledged in November to take a position £2.5bn in UK AI infrastructure.