Microsoft Selects 12 AI Firms for Accelerator Programme

The rapid development of generative AI (Gen AI) has created new opportunities for enterprise software companies to develop specialised applications. While consumer AI applications – sparked by the launch of ChatGPT – have received significant attention, the enterprise sector represents a distinct market for implementing AI across industries including finance, safety and environmental compliance.

As a result, Microsoft has selected 12 UK software companies to join its first UK Gen AI Accelerator programme, choosing from more than 300 applications. The programme – which has been developed with Nvidia, GitHub and WeTransact – focuses on companies developing enterprise applications using Gen AI.

Microsoft and partners back enterprise AI development

The selection process yielded an acceptance rate below 4%, with companies chosen based on technical capabilities and market potential. Orla McGrath, Global Partner Solutions Lead at Microsoft UK, says the programme is “designed to empower innovative businesses to maximise the potential of Gen AI, driving forward groundbreaking solutions and accelerating their path to market success.”

“The Gen AI Accelerator provides comprehensive support for the chosen firms, including technical guidance and exclusive go-to-market opportunities that will help them reach new customers and accelerate revenue streams, with dedicated support from WeTransact.”

The cohort includes Atla, which develops systems to identify errors in large language models. Another participant, Auquan, provides AI tools for financial institutions, with its technology currently used by five of the world's 20 largest asset managers and investment banks.

AutogenAI specialises in bid automation for large enterprises, while Aveni AI creates natural language processing models for financial services compliance. DeepSearch Labs develops document analysis tools for corporate research and strategic decision-making.

Technical innovation spans multiple sectors

Several companies in the programme focus on specific industry applications. Faradai provides enterprise software for carbon emissions management, using machine learning to analyse environmental data. The company’s tools support real-time data acquisition and compliance reporting for corporate sustainability efforts.

Haiper.ai, which claims six million users, develops foundation models for video and image generation and recently launched its 2.5 model for generating photo-realistic content. RevEng.AI creates similar models for cybersecurity, focusing on identifying threats in software code when source code is unavailable.

The cohort also includes SentiSum, which analyses customer feedback using generative AI and works with global brands including Gousto, Ticketmaster and BAT to process customer interactions and identify areas for improvement. Soter, established in 2017, develops computer vision systems – AI that processes visual information – for industrial safety and insurance risk assessment.

TurinTech's Artemis platform optimises AI-generated code using genetic algorithms - programs that evolve solutions through iteration - and real-time validation. Vortex IQ provides AI tools for e-commerce platforms including BigCommerce and Shopify, with over 70 AI agents designed to support different e-commerce roles.

Support package includes technical resources

Each company will receive mentorship and cloud computing resources in early 2025, culminating in a presentation event at Microsoft's London Experience Centre. The programme includes access to Microsoft's Azure credits worth up to USD 150,000, which can be used for various AI models including Azure OpenAI Service, Meta Llama and Microsoft's Phi small language models.

Nvidia will provide additional support through its Inception for Startups programme, offering access to technical resources and connections with venture capitalists. WeTransact will provide dedicated support to help companies develop revenue streams.

“These companies are driving industry-wide innovation by applying AI to solve complex problems,” says Orla. “Their solutions enhance efficiency, streamline workflows and unlock new business opportunities. From advancing data analysis and automation to optimising decision-making and operations, they are enabling smarter, faster and more impactful outcomes.”

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