A University of Edinburgh initiative to help emerging artificial intelligence (AI) companies realize their full commercial potential is now accepting applications for its 2023 programme.
The AI Accelerator, open to both Scottish and international companies, seeks innovative scale-up to be part of a sixth cohort.
Since its launch in 2018, the program has supported a range of AI companies, including Edinburgh-based cancer research company Carcinotech, climate monitoring solutions provider Space Intelligence, and cryptocurrency wallet and payment platform Zumo. .
These and other University of Edinburgh AI Accelerator participants continue to secure over £30m in external investment.
Applications for this year’s program are open until May 15th. Applicants must be focused on using “AI for good” to bring about social benefits in key areas such as health and wellbeing, social care, and environmental management.
Starting in mid-September, the 12 companies selected for the next six-month AI Accelerator will help transform their businesses, with a focus on developing investment strategies and engaging directly with potential investors. Get support for that purpose.
In addition to financial support, the newly accepted cohort companies will also be given the opportunity to expand their business through a series of workshops with mentors covering a range of commercialization issues from product pricing to leadership. increase.
The 2023 program will be delivered digitally and in person by the Bayes Center, the university’s data science and artificial intelligence innovation hub, and supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the university’s commercialization service.
The 2022 cohort includes Danu Robotics of Edinburgh, a technology solutions innovator that has improved speed and accuracy in waste sorting and contaminant removal, and Strathclyde University, which has revolutionized the treatment of drug-resistant infections. A spin-out, Microplate Dx, was included.
Kim Graham, Chancellor and Vice Chancellor for Research and Business at the University of Edinburgh, said:
“In addition to the cross-sectoral academic and strategic advice provided, this program will help AI innovators build global networks and provide an ideal source of external investment opportunities to help scale their businesses. provide a window.
“The AI Accelerator will have real economic impact by supporting both Scotland-based companies and international companies looking to operate here.”
Stuart Hannah, co-founder and CEO of MicroplateDx, said:
“While we have been involved with many other accelerators in the past, the Edinburgh University program connects us with key investors and provides clear guidance and mentoring to help grow our business. It has proven to be unique in that it does.”
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