Applications open for University of Edinburgh AI enhanced Accelerator Programme 2025
An initiative which helps innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused scaleup companies to maximise their full commercial potential is now open for 2025 applications.
Article Source: University of Edinburgh
Last Updated: 22 April 2025 13:17
Edinburgh ranked among the top AI-powered cities of the future[1] invites scaleups from tech-businesses across the globe to apply
The 6-month programme, delivered by the University of Edinburgh, will widen its selection process this year, to encourage a broader range of scaleups from tech-focused companies to benefit from a package of support aimed at helping transform their businesses into world-leading companies.
The AI Accelerator has a strong track record of supporting innovative businesses and, this year, will be joined by Daniel Winterstein as Technical Entrepreneur in Residence. A PhD graduate at the University of Edinburgh and co-founder of ethical ad-tech company Good-Loop, Daniel will offer technical guidance and mentorship as part of the Accelerator’s wider support network.
Daniel Winterstein comments, “As the only UK city to be named an AI leader, it’s fair to say that we have a real opportunity here and I am so excited to meet the cohort. Access to capital and talent are their biggest barriers to growth in the UK and we want to support them to overcome these challenges with our programme so that as a city and a university we can continue to lead the way with AI.”
The programme, delivered by the University of Edinburgh’s world-leading Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Bayes Centre[2] in collaboration with Edinburgh Innovations[3], will feature monthly in-person workshops complemented by additional activities delivered online and two trips to London.
The AI Accelerator gives companies a platform to shape their investment strategies and connect with potential investors. Participants also take part in expert-led workshops covering pricing, leadership, and scaling — all designed to drive commercial growth.
The University of Edinburgh is home to the largest centres for computing science and informatics in Europe. Through access to its academic expertise and links into the Data- Driven Innovation hubs, AI Accelerator participants will also benefit from collaboration and business exposure opportunities.
Among last year’s participants were Chirrup, a business that helps landholders to thrive with biodiversity, by providing sensors and reporting tools that show the level of natural capital they already have. Gaining clarity on their "bullseye target" at the AI accelerator enabled Chirrup to concentrate their efforts on food processor intermediaries. This focused approach facilitated the development of marketing and sales tools specifically crafted to address these clients' unique challenges and maximise value.
Dr. Murray Collins, CEO, Space Intelligence who participated in the 2021 cohort commented, “The programme introduced us to the different skills needed to grow a business over and above our academic and technical ability. As a result, we have grown significantly, including raising investment at seed and Series A stages from with investment from global name entities like Equinor and Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), owners of the New York Stock Exchange.
“Since the Accelerator, we’ve publicly worked with major clients, such as Shell and Apple, and won several funding competitions that have helped to solidify our position as a leading player in this space.”
Katy Guthrie, Programme Manager of the AI Accelerator, said: “AI is having a profoundly positive impact on companies and their growth across the globe and through our programme we are helping transform innovative start-ups into world-leading companies and supporting wider economic growth. Space Intelligence is just one example of the success that can be achieved, and we are inviting startups and scaleups from tech-businesses across the globe to join us.
“We’ve also decided to open our selection process to encourage a broader range of businesses to benefit, and we’ll be refocusing on scaleups with products that are ready to make an impact.”
Pre-qualifications close at 12 noon on Wed 14th May, and the deadline for applications for the new AI Accelerator programme is 9AM on Monday 19th May. The programme will run for six months from 17th September (in Edinburgh).
Enquiries should be sent directly to: aia@ei.ed.ac.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Castle of Light offers special priced tickets for spectacular closing night
Experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).
READ MORE
Edinburgh Rugby scores new deal with city centre sports bar
Edinburgh Rugby has scored a new deal with one of the city’s most popular sports bars, which will see all the buzz from Hive Stadium pop-up in the Grassmarket.
READ MORE
A Goal So Good it is a Work of Art!
It’s a winner! A spectacular new photograph is now on show at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to celebrate Scotland’s men reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026.
READ MORE
First Footin goes Global with Live Streaming announced from iconic venues
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced the event will include live streaming for the first time, opening the New Year’s Day performances to audiences around the world.
READ MORE
Distillers Fair returns for its 25th year at the The Scotch Whisky Experience
This December, The Scotch Whisky Experience invites guests to raise a dram to a quarter-century of discovery as the Distillers’ Fair returns for its 25th year.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland celebrate the return of Surrealism collection
Scotland’s world class collection of surrealist art is back home in Modern One and free to visit from 17th December 2025.
READ MORE
The Johnnie Walker Experience named Europe and The World Leading Spirit Tourism Experience again.
Two in a row: The Johnnie Walker Experience has once again been named Europe and The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at the 2025 World Travel Awards(WTA).
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer
Dynamic Earth is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwilym Gibbons as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous and far-reaching recruitment process.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Christmas adds themed skating sessions
Edinburgh's Christmas has added new special themed skating sessions to run throughout the season.
READ MORE
Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology
Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.
READ MORE
Deer Park backs Livingston FC Community young footballers with kit sponsorship
Deer Park is helping to kickstart the footballing journey of young players by sponsoring new training kits, match kits, and rain jackets for the Livingston FC Community’s 2017 age group.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home
2026 represents a landmark year for Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, as the organisation celebrates 25 years in its purpose-built home in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition
A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister
To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.
READ MORE
Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value
See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.
READ MORE
Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh
Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!
READ MORE
Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.
READ MORE
Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world
The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh
On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.
READ MORE
Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year
Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.
READ MORE
Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh
With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!
READ MORE
Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities
Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.
READ MORE
Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced
Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!
READ MORE
Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links