AI Accelerator

Scale your AI venture with Scotland's leading deep tech accelerator

Duration

6 months

Cohort Size

10-14 companies

Equity

Equity-free + stipend

Next Cohort

September 2026

Application Status

Pre-qualification is now open!

Scaleup Growth: Helping existing AI-driven companies reach global markets.

Ideation to Startup: Turning academic research into new companies.

+

£100m

Funding raised since starting the programme

+

106

Companies supported since 2019

+

12

Total scaleups in the latest 2025 cohort.

Pre-qualification is now open!

Qualify early and be the first to be notified when the full application process opens in March.

What is the AI Accelerator?

The AI Accelerator is a six-month business development programme designed to enhance data-driven scaleups with a strong focus on business skills development, strategic partnerships, access to world-class facilities and valuable introductions to potential investment.

Why join?

  • Learn from the best: Hands-on workshops and one-to-one mentoring with people who’ve scaled businesses before.
  • Keep 100% of your equity: Receive an £8k stipend, dedicated support, and introductions to investors.
  • 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.
  • London networking: Two London trips including an investor showcase

Find out more about what you can expect

Who can apply?

  • Scale-ups, incorporated, ideally post-revenue with some funding and fully dedicated founding teams.
  • Product close to market fit, revenues of £50k OR funding of £250k in past 2 years
  • Potential to reach £1m revenue in 3 years.
  • International applicants welcome; no previous relationship with the University of Edinburgh required.

Learn more about eligibility and our application process

Cohorts

View current and past AI Accelerator Cohorts.

Further Information

Essential information

Discover detailed application guidelines, eligibility and upcoming dates.

What to expect from the programme

Our programme covers key areas crucial for scaling an impactful AI business.

Alumni in Action

Explore the journey from some of past participants and their experience with the programme.

Nooku

Nooku: Developing Nooku: The Role of the University of Edinburgh

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Looper

Looper: Scaling Circular Economy Tech via AI Accelerator

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Inicio.AI

Inicio.AI: Using Conversational AI to Reduce Debt Stress with Inicio.AI

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Microplate DX

Microplate Dx: Reducing Antibiotic Resistance via AI Care

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ProfessorMe

ProfessorMe: Using AI to Create Accessible Learning Tools

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Chirrup

Chirrup.ai: Monitoring Biodiversity and Natural Capital with Chirrup.ai

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Vahanomy

Vahanomy: Advancing Sustainable Finance and AI Innovation

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Eye to the Future

Eye to the Future: Achieving Growth with the AI Accelerator

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BioLiberty

BioLiberty: Developing Tech for Positive Real-World Impact

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My SMASH Media

My SMASH Media: Scaling Digital Media via the AI Accelerator

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