AI Accelerator

The AI Accelerator is where ambitious AI-driven businesses come to grow. Over six months, you’ll get the support, connections, and expertise you need to tackle global challenges and create real-world impact. From AgriTech to FinTech, this is about accelerating high-growth ventures into global success stories.

Essential information for participants

Start your application for AIA 2025

Why Join Us?

Retain your equity: Get the support you need, a stipend and pathways to further investment
Learn from the best: Hands-on workshops and one-to-one mentoring with people who’ve scaled businesses before
Build your network: Connect with investors, advisers, customers, partners, and future employees
Tap into Edinburgh’s AI scene: Work with world-class researchers and student talent
Make Bayes your base: Enjoy complimentary office space in the heart of Edinburgh’s tech community, yours to use throughout the programme and beyond
Stay supported: Our dedicated team and peer network are with you every step of the way

Our Track Record:

£90m

Funding raised since starting the programme

94

Companies supported since 2019

#1

University in the world for industry, innovation, & infrastructure_{(THE Impact Rankings 2024)}

#1

in the UK for AI research power _(REF2021)

Since 2019, we’ve helped dozens of AI scaleups start, grow, and make a difference. Edinburgh is the UK’s top startup ecosystem outside London _{(Beauhurst 2024)} and a global AI hub.

Success Stories:

Inicio

The sales and negotiation training and mentoring we received through the AI Accelerator have been transformational

Space Intelligence

Network and discuss ideas with a curated peer group of people who are building a business at the same time.

Eye to the Future

Take a step back from the day-to-day, reassess the business, retest assumptions and ask for new perspectives.

Who Can Apply?

AI-focused entrepreneurs and scaleups from anywhere in the world. You don’t need to be connected to the University of Edinburgh or even based in the UK — you just need to be excited about joining Scotland’s AI and data community.

Where Does It Take Place?

The programme features monthly in-person workshops at the Bayes Centre, held over a couple of days, complemented by additional activities delivered online. It’s a chance to connect with academics, fellow entrepreneurs, and industry leaders — all working together to scale bold innovations into industry-leading solutions. We will also organise two trips to London including a showcase.