AI Accelerator

Our support doesn't end when you're no longer a student. Once you've graduated and your AI-driven business is up and running we can you scale it with the AI Accelerator. 

We are building on a considerable heritage of success. The University of Edinburgh is a world leader in AI with a 60 year history of AI research and a 5 year track record of accelerating AI scaleups. We are number one in the UK for Informatics research and a 2024 study by Beauhurst put Edinburgh as the top city in the UK outside London for its startup ecosystem.

Participants in the programme will benefit from:

• A stipend for no equity and a chance to gain additional funding
• Workshops and one-to-ones with expert mentors and trainers in a wide range of business and commercial skills
• Connections with investors, advisers and potential customers, partners and employees
• Access to the University of Edinburgh’s academic expertise and student talent
• Prestigious office space in Edinburgh city centre and the opportunity to be part of the vibrant and collaborative Bayes Centre community
• Support from our dedicated programme team and from like-minded peers at a similar stage in their entrepreneurial journey

Find out more about the AI Accelerator 

Who can apply?

Not suitable for current students. This is an intense programme to help your company grow, so we need you to be fully committed to the business. It's perfect for those who have graduated and are looking to scale an AI-based business. AI-focused entrepreneurs and businesses scaling up from across the UK and the world can apply to take part in this 6-month Accelerator to benefit from the expertise and talent on offer in Edinburgh. You do not need to be linked to the University of Edinburgh or based in the UK, but you will of course have an interest in engaging with the AI and data ecosystem in Scotland. The next AI Accelerator programme will be focused around 3 key themes: 

• AI for climate change
• AI for health
• AI for good

Applications are now closed