Microsoft has partnered with London-based private investment platform Seedrs to launch a UK AI startup accelerator.
The Series AI program aims to help participating startups build and integrate AI technology. Open to startups from seed to Series A stage, the four-week accelerator includes mentorship, resource sharing, and commercialization support.
“Over the last few years, the UK has emerged as a world leader in artificial intelligence,” said John Lake, managing director of Cedars.
“Our thriving ecosystem benefits from an excellent talent pool, supported by some of the world’s best STEM universities, and a sympathetic regulatory environment, making us the second most funded university in the UK last year. No wonder it was the sector offered.”
Six finalists will be selected from the participating startups to pitch their businesses to VC firm Vektor Partners and SFC.
Orla McGrath, General Manager, Microsoft UK Partner Business, said:
“By building innovative AI solutions on Microsoft Cloud, startups have the opportunity to leverage this exciting technology to transform every industry for the better.”
The Series AI program launches on May 1st.
The accelerator’s launch follows Microsoft’s announcement last week that it would establish a new AI hub in London. Mustafa Suleiman, head of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind, said the company plans to make “significant long-term investments” in the UK, which has a “huge pool of AI talent and expertise”. said.
In November, Microsoft pledged to invest £2.5 billion in AI infrastructure in the UK.
