Microsoft, in collaboration with NVIDIA and WeTransact, unveiled the “Agentic Launchpad”, a new accelerator aimed at start-ups in the UK and Ireland building “agentic” AI systems that is, AI platforms capable of autonomous decision-making and task completion, rather than simply generating text or images.
The programme invites software companies already working on agentic applications, intelligent systems or generative-AI platforms to apply by 28 November 2025.
Selected participants will receive a bundle of support services, including:
- Access to Microsoft Azure cloud credits and engineering office hours with Microsoft experts.
- Entry into NVIDIA’s Inception network and access to its Deep Learning Institute training resources.
- Commercial enablement via WeTransact, including go-to-market support such as marketplace listing and co-sell frameworks.
- Visibility and marketing support through Microsoft’s channels, media campaigns and executive sponsorship.
Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK & Ireland, said the initiative is “an invitation to join a select cohort and shape the future of AI” in the region.
The launch comes as Microsoft makes a substantial investment of approximately US $30 billion in UK AI infrastructure and innovation, further underlining the company’s commitment to establishing the UK as a global hub for advanced AI.
Industry observers say the Agentic Launchpad reflects the growing corporate focus on agentic AI, a class of systems that go beyond generation and aim to automate workflows, make decisions lightly supervised and adapt behaviour based on goals and context.
Key Details
- Name: Agentic Launchpad
- Region: UK & Ireland
- Open to: Early-stage software companies building agentic / autonomous AI systems
- Application deadline: 28 November 2025
- Support offered: Cloud credits, hardware/training access, go-to-market assistance, visibility through Microsoft/NVIDIA ecosystem
Significance
The programme signals an expansion in accelerator models from generative AI to full agentic systems which involve autonomy and action-orientated workflows. The integrated support from cloud, hardware and commercial channels may speed up go-to-market for participating start-ups. Additionally, the UK/Ireland focus emphasises regional efforts to capture leading positions in next-generation AI.
Challenges & Outlook
Despite the strong backing, experts caution that agentic applications face headwinds: high compute costs, integration complexity, and enterprise trust-governance barriers. The Agentic Launchpad may help address these via infrastructure and ecosystem links. Its success will depend on cohort outcomes and how start-ups leverage the resources and market support to move from prototype to scale.
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