After a successful pilot last year, Microsoft is re-launching its popular program as the AI Tech Accelerator Community. The five-month program starts on February 4th and will provide 25 Swiss startups access to a variety of resources, including technical and business sessions, 1:1 expert sessions, collaboration with NVIDIA as well as the chance to exchange with peers. Registration closes on 10 January 2025.
Microsoft’s AI Tech Accelerator Community is designed for Swiss startups developing software solutions that leverage or aim to leverage artificial intelligence (AI). In the next edition, the program focuses on fostering community and exchange between startups and technology leads with peers and provides access to resources to fast-track AI solution development. The program will offer a coworking environment for the startups and access to Microsoft resources and designated experts.
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 from 4 February 2025. 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.
Additionally, thanks to the collaboration with NVIDIA, selected startups will receive support through the NVIDIA Inception program, giving them 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.
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.
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The new Swiss Venture Capital Report was published on 26 January. It analyses 304 financing rounds closed in 2020 and includes further article such as an interview with Michael Hengartner, President of the ETH Board, and a list of Swiss "soonicorns". 
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