Twelve UK firms join Microsoft's AI for Good accelerator programme

Microsoft has announced that twelve firms have joined its AI for Good accelerator programme. AI for Good will give these companies access to Microsoft technology, resources, and expertise to help them develop and launch their products and solutions. AI for Good is run by Microsoft and the Social Tech Trust and is there to help firms focusing on AI for Earth, AI for Accessibility, AI for Humanitarian Action, and AI for Cultural Heritage.

Commenting on the programme, Microsoft’s Managing Director of Startups UK, Amali de Alwis, said:

“These 12 companies are some of the brightest and most cutting-edge businesses in Britain, and I am delighted to welcome them to our cohort. They are all aiming to make the world a better place by using technology to tackle complex problems – from accessibility and heritage to sustainability. Microsoft is keen to help them make an even bigger positive impact on the world around them, and we’re looking forward to supporting them through this exciting stage of their journey.”

The twelve firms that will benefit from Microsoft’s expertise comprise of the following:

• Akari – helps companies use technology to support employees as individuals
• Baobab – provides legal tools that track cases, manage teams and ensure privacy and security
• BeneTalk – a digital coach and tracker for fluency therapy
• Chatterbox – online language learning for professionals and organisations
• Good Boost – transforms public swimming pools into therapy spaces for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions
• EcoSync – a cloud-based platform helping commercial buildings to stop heating empty rooms
• miiCARE – specialises in the application of AI in the area of geriatrics
• MyCognition – tracks, treats and prevents poor mental health through a cognitive assessment and training platform
• OrxaGrid – provides accurate and secure analytics that provide efficiency improvements for energy networks
• Hello Lamp Post – lets people have playful conversations with street objects such as statues, benches, and post boxes via text messages or popular conversation app to give local authorities, developers, and construction firms feedback on issues in the community
• Signly – has created a browser extension that offers sign language translations for web pages. On sites that have enabled Signly, deaf people will be able to request a page be signed. The service uses Microsoft Azure cloud to host translations.
• Recycleye – aims to revolutionise recycling, by using cameras to identify recyclable objects and have them automatically sorted at waste plants.

According to Microsoft, this year’s AI for Good programme will commence today and run for four months. Each of the companies will be given space to operate their business in the Microsoft for Startups office in Shoreditch, London.