The programme will give selected software companies technical advice, commercial support, and access to Microsoft and NVIDIA networks to help them develop artificial intelligence products and reach more customers.
Microsoft and NVIDIA have opened applications for Frontier Launchpad, a programme designed to help software companies in the UK and Ireland develop artificial intelligence (AI) products and turn them into sustainable businesses.
The programme builds on last year’s Agentic Launchpad and is aimed at companies with an established software product that are investing in AI or building products around it. Selected businesses will receive technical advice, commercial guidance, and opportunities to connect with potential customers and partners.
As more organisations add AI to products, day-to-day processes and customer services, the programme will support companies building AI applications, task-specific AI assistants, or software platforms built around AI.
What participants receive
Technical expertise – Participants will work with Microsoft AI specialists, cloud architects, Microsoft Marketplace advisers, and NVIDIA technical experts to develop their products and use AI effectively.
Commercial support – Companies will receive guidance on preparing products for Microsoft Marketplace – the company’s online store for business technology – and on co-selling, where Microsoft and a partner work together to reach new customers.
Industry pathways – The programme will include two focused pathways:
1) AI platforms and software built around AI.
2) Financial services and financial technology.
Global reach – Participants will also explore opportunities to enter new markets through Microsoft’s international partner network, customer relationships, and commercial channels.
Who can apply
Frontier Launchpad is open to software companies in the UK and Ireland that:
- have an established software product already available to customers
- are investing in AI or building products that use it
- want to reach more customers and grow their business
- are looking to expand into new markets.
Commenting on the launch, Tobias Halloran, director of start-ups, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, NVIDIA, said: “The UK and Ireland have a deep pool of talent building with AI. Through NVIDIA Inception and the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute, the Frontier Launchpad will give these companies access to NVIDIA’s technical expertise and training to help them build and accelerate their AI applications.”
NVIDIA Inception supports start-ups with technical resources, while the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute provides training in AI and related technologies.
Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK & Ireland, said: “The UK & Ireland are home to some of the world’s most innovative software companies. Through the Frontier Launchpad, we’re bringing together Microsoft’s AI capabilities, NVIDIA’s technology leadership, and a powerful network to help software companies develop new products, grow faster, and create the next generation of businesses using AI.”
Reflecting on his experience of last year’s Microsoft Agentic Launchpad, Edward Beckett, co-founder Palindrome, said: “The Agentic Launchpad turned Microsoft from a platform we build on into a partner that sells with us. For a start-up selling into regulated financial services, it has been hugely impactful.”
How to apply for Frontier Launchpad
Click on the link to go to the Frontier Launchpad Application form.
Applications open on 3 November and close on 27 November.
Successful companies will join the first Frontier Launchpad group in early 2027.
Places are limited. Selection will focus on companies with strong growth potential, clear plans for AI, and a commitment to developing new software.