Microsoft’s AI Tech Accelerator Community is aimed towards Swiss startups developing software solutions that leverage or aim to leverage artificial intelligence (AI). Starting on February 4th, Swiss startups get the chance to be part of an exclusive community over the course of five months. The selected companies will have access to a variety of resources, including technical & business sessions, 1:1 expert time, a collaboration with NVIDIA as well as be part of an exchange between a community of peers.
After a successful pilot last year, Microsoft is re-launching its popular program as the AI Tech Accelerator Community. This year, there is an increased focus on fostering community and exchange between startups, providing a collaborative environment for shared learning and growth. The concept focuses on creating a community that connects founders, and technology leads with peers and provides access to resources to fast-track AI solution development. This newly established concept is dedicated to Swiss startups offering innovative AI solutions or aiming to extend their offerings through AI implementation.
Microsoft invites Swiss startups to apply for the program by January 10th, 2025, 20:00 CET. The AI Tech Accelerator Community, starting on February 4th, 2025, will not only offer a coworking environment for the startups but also leverage Microsoft resources and designated experts to expedite and implement AI capabilities and products. This year the AI Tech Accelerator Community additionally includes a collaboration with NVIDIA, where startups are supported through the NVIDIA Inception program, allowing access to training sessions from NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute. And by using NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform, startups will be able to accelerate their AI development and enhance performance.
The concept of the AI Tech Accelerator Community is based on three main streams: community coworking, technical and business input sessions, and dedicated 1:1 expert time. The focus is on the startups’ needs, collecting inputs from the community about which topics would be most beneficial. This allows the participants to actively contribute to the content of the program. Additionally, for specific challenges, startups can request 1:1 sessions where Microsoft and external experts, as well as so-called MVPs (Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals), will be available. With this offering, Microsoft will provide a tailored experience for all participants and foster a valuable community exchange.
Approximately 25 startups will have the opportunity to join the free program. Selected companies will receive technical and business support from Microsoft to accelerate product development using Azure OpenAI or other Microsoft AI services. They will gain access to the latest generative AI models available on Azure, as well as to the benefits of the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub with up to USD 150k in Azure credits.
«We are thrilled to announce the return and expansion of the AI Tech Accelerator. After successfully supporting all participating startups in their AI journey last year, this edition places a stronger emphasis on community and exchange within the cohort. It is truly exciting to support the Swiss startup ecosystem with dedicated programs» says Maruscha Heyner, Partner Manager Startups & VC.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria: They should have a viable post-MVP solution with at least one customer reference and a B2B SaaS or highly scalable B2C software solution. The startup’s solution must be developed on Microsoft Azure, or the startup should have the intention to migrate.
Interested startups are invited to visit the website (https://aka.ms/AITechAccelerator) to learn more and submit their application before the deadline on January 10th, 2025, 20:00 CET.