Microsoft and Nvidia are teaming up to support UK AI startups – and they want to attract firms outside of London and the South East
The two tech giants are looking for AI startups and scale-ups operating in the fintech, medical tech, greentech spaces


Microsoft and Nvidia have teamed up to launch a generative AI accelerator for UK startups, offering them technical guidance, advice on marketing strategy, and access to a network of potential investors.
The Microsoft GenAI Accelerator is specifically tailored for UK AI startups and scale-ups that have secured seed funding and are now looking to develop their products further.
The accelerator is focused on products that could change people’s lives for the better, create jobs, and have significant economic impact, the two tech giants said.
"By supporting local AI start-ups and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, Microsoft and our partners are helping to build a vibrant and sustainable AI community in the UK and create the tech powerhouses of tomorrow," said Microsoft UK CEO Darren Hardman.
"These fast-growing companies will create jobs, boost UK economic growth, and create products that make a positive impact on people’s lives."
The program will run from 22 January to 5 March 2025 and will culminate in a Demo Day, during which participants will have the chance to showcase their products to top venture capitalists and private equity firm.
There will also be a hybrid format for the program – part online, part in person – which Microsoft said should make it easier for companies outside London and the south-east to take part.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Participants will be given one-to-one support from Microsoft’s AI Black Belt team, which specializes in AI and machine learning, as well as technical guidance, advice on marketing strategy, and access to workshops and help from Nvidia and Microsoft-owned GitHub.
"Nvidia will support Microsoft GenAI Accelerator participants through the Nvidia Inception programme for cutting-edge start-ups," said Serge Palaric, Nvidia’s vice-president for hyperscaler alliance in EMEA.
"This collaboration will provide startups with access to Nvidia Deep Learning Institute (DLI) training sessions and a network of experts. By using NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform, startups will be able to accelerate their AI development and enhance performance."
Startups and scale-ups wanting to take part have until 22 November to apply, with a shortlist to be drawn up in early December.
UK-based AI startups and scale-ups which already have a product in the market and are innovating across various sectors, including fintech, medtech, and greentech, can apply.
Microsoft noted it's particularly keen on companies that are looking to build AI-native solutions on Microsoft’s cloud.
Emma Woollacott is a freelance journalist writing for publications including the BBC, Private Eye, Forbes, Raconteur and specialist technology titles.
-
Security experts issue warning over the rise of 'gray bot' AI web scrapers
News While not malicious, the bots can overwhelm web applications in a way similar to bad actors
By Jane McCallion Published
-
Does speech recognition have a future in business tech?
Once a simple tool for dictation, speech recognition is being revolutionized by AI to improve customer experiences and drive inclusivity in the workforce
By Jonathan Weinberg Published
-
The CMA just dropped its probe into the Microsoft–OpenAI deal
News The CMA has dropped its probe into the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, saying the deal doesn't give Microsoft a controlling interest over the AI firm.
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
Microsoft says there’s an AI divide brewing – here’s how enterprises can get on the right side
News Research from Microsoft and Goldsmiths University suggests there is a growing 'AI divide' among enterprises adopting the technology and those sluggish to react.
By George Fitzmaurice Published
-
‘Europe could do it, but it's chosen not to do it’: Eric Schmidt thinks EU regulation will stifle AI innovation – but Britain has a huge opportunity
News Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt believes EU AI regulation is hampering innovation in the region and placing enterprises at a disadvantage.
By Ross Kelly Published
-
Microsoft promises more AI spending despite cloud cost stumble
News Microsoft recorded revenue and earnings growth in its latest quarterly results, but higher than expected costs in cloud and AI raised investor concerns.
By Nicole Kobie Published
-
Microsoft staff face second round of layoffs as firm continues cost-cutting measures
News The size of the layoffs has not been specified, though Microsoft has said they will be small
By George Fitzmaurice Published
-
SoftwareOne to acquire Crayon in $1.4 billion merger deal
News The merged firm will be 'uniquely positioned' to capitalize on a $150 billion market
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
Google wants regulators to break up Microsoft's OpenAI deal
News Google has already been nipping at Microsoft’s heels in the European cloud market over competition concerns
By George Fitzmaurice Published
-
How Mondra is targeting food net zero using Microsoft Azure cloud computing
Case study Combining predictive AI and OpenAI models, the firm aims to shine a light on hard-to-pinpoint Scope 3 emissions figures
By Rory Bathgate Published