Edinburgh reveals cohort companies for AI Accelerator

The University of Edinburgh’s Innovation Hub for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the Bayes Centre, has selected a group of emerging companies from Scotland, the UK and other parts of the globe for its AI Accelerator commercialisation programme for 2022/23.

Among the 12 cohorts are EtiqAI, a female-founded company whose technology is designed to increase transparency and minimise any unintended bias within AI algorithms; Microplate DX, a developer of rapid diagnostic tests, revolutionising the treatment of drug resistant bacterial infections: Medkal Health, provider of an algorithmic solution for accurate and trusted clinical data for telehealth and clinical trials; and US start up MindTrace, which was attracted to Scotland by The University of Edinburgh’s credentials in AI research and talent development. The company uses AI and imaging to further enhance positive outcomes in brain surgery.

Accelerator supported companies attracted more than £10m in grants and investment over the last year. The programme will be delivered both digitally and in-person by the Bayes Centre and the university’s commercialisation service Edinburgh Innovations, on behalf of all the University’s Data-Driven Innovation Hubs.

To qualify, participating companies must use AI for wider societal benefit to deliver solutions in core areas such as health and wellbeing, social care, and environmental stewardship. Participants benefit from a package focused on building connections and leadership mentoring to support with product development, helping to transform AI businesses into world-leading companies.

Previous programme participants have included Oxford-based iLoF, which raised over £4m for its AI-driven drug discovery and development technology over the summer, and Roslin-based medtech firm Carcinotech, which secured £1.6m investment to accelerate its commercialisation and global expansion plans. 

The AI Accelerator, partnered by global strategic design consultancy NileHQ, is also supported by Huawei UK and The University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh Earth Initiative.

This year’s AI Accelerator programme welcomes John Brodie to the role of Entrepreneur in Residence. John was founder of data analytics consultancy Aquila Insight, which he grew into a 200+ employee company and sold in 2017. He is an active advisor and investor within the Scottish start up community and has been named as one of Data IQ’s 100 Most Influential People in Data.

John said “I am hugely excited to be joining the AI Accelerator and working with the fantastic organisations selected this year.  My two passions over the last 20 years have been driving actionable data science projects and enabling early stage businesses to scale. This role allows me to combine both of these and I am very much looking forward to helping these companies develop their potential.”

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