University AI Accelerator programme announces new cohort companies

A business commercialisation programme, which helps innovative companies using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to maximise their full potential, has announced its new 2022/23 cohort.

The AI Accelerator, delivered by The University of Edinburgh’s world-leading Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Bayes Centre, has selected a group of emerging companies from Scotland, the UK and other parts of the globe for this year’s programme.

Among the 12 cohorts are:

• EtiqAI, a female-founded company whose technology is designed to increase transparency and minimise any unintended bias within AI algorithms
• Edinburgh headquartered Vahanomy, which is driving the roll-out of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles
• US startup MindTrace, which was attracted to Scotland by The University of Edinburgh’s credentials in AI research and talent development. The company uses AI and imaging to further enhance positive outcomes in brain surgery.

The AI Accelerator has supported companies and helped them attract more than £10m in grants and investment over the last year. The programme will be delivered both digitally and in-person by the Bayes Centre, and Edinburgh Innovations, The University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service on behalf of all the University’s Data-Driven Innovation Hubs.

To qualify, participating companies must use AI for “wider societal benefit” to deliver solutions in core areas such as health and wellbeing, social care, and environmental stewardship.

Participants benefit from a package of support focused on building connections, as well as from leadership mentoring and support with product development to help transform their AI businesses into world-leading companies.

Previous programme participants have included Oxford based iLoF, which raised over £4m for its AI-driven drug discovery and development technology over the summer, and Roslin-based medtech firm Carcinotech, which secured £1.6m investment to accelerate its commercialisation and global expansion plans.

The AI Accelerator, partnered by global strategic design consultancy NileHQ, is also supported by Huawei UK and The University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh Earth Initiative.

Professor Iain Gordon, vice-principal and head of the College of Science and Engineering at The University of Edinburgh, said: “As a world leader in AI research, the University’s role is pivotal in supporting innovative companies which are applying AI to help address key societal challenges such as climate change and healthy ageing.

“This exciting new cohort of AI tech companies will benefit from cross-fertilisation of research and ideas as well as the expertise on offer to scale their tech businesses for the benefit of us all.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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