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

Applications are now open!

Applications are open for the next cohort.

Welcome to the AI Accelerator at the University of Edinburgh

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.

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.

Applications are now open!

Fill in the qualification form, and on meeting the essential criteria, we'll send you the full application form.

APPLY HERE

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.

VIEW COHORT
VIEW ALUMNI

AI Accelerator

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.

Case studies

Alumni in Action

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

Chirrup

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

View Post
Space Intelligence

Space Intelligence: From AI Accelerator to Global Milestones

View Post
Inicio.AI

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

View Post
BioLiberty

BioLiberty: Developing Tech for Positive Real-World Impact

View Post
Nooku

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

View Post
ProfessorMe

ProfessorMe: Using AI to Create Accessible Learning Tools

View Post
Indigo.AI

indigo.ai: Global Ambitions and the Edinburgh AI Ecosystem

View Post
Microplate DX

Microplate Dx: Reducing Antibiotic Resistance via AI Care

View Post
Carcinotech

Carcinotech: Reflecting on Growth After the AI Accelerator

View Post
My SMASH Media

My SMASH Media: Scaling Digital Media via the AI Accelerator

View Post
Eye to the Future

Eye to the Future: Achieving Growth with the AI Accelerator

View Post
Vahanomy

Vahanomy: Advancing Sustainable Finance and AI Innovation

View Post
Looper

Looper: Scaling Circular Economy Tech via AI Accelerator

View Post
iLoF

iLoF: Revolutionising Alzheimer’s Diagnostics with AI Tools

View Post
OPEN GUIDE TO SCOTLAND’S ENTREPRENEURIAL LANDSCAPE

Scottish Ecosystem Platform

Powered by
Developed with partners across government, academia and industry, the Scottish Ecosystem Platform provides live data on startups, scaleups, funding and sector trends across Scotland.
View on Dealroom
View the Scotland Ecosystem List on Dealroom

The University of Edinburgh

Terms & conditionsPrivacy PolicyCookies PolicyComplaints procedureModern slavery
Website accessibilityFreedom of information publication schemeData protection / Records Management
The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 592 9507 00, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a “Recognised body” which has been granted degree awarding powers.
MyEd Login   ➢
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all material is copyright © Bayes Centre, The University of Edinburgh 2026.
---