Microsoft and NVIDIA launch UK hub to fuel the next wave of autonomous AI startups

On November 4, 2025, Microsoft announced a new program for the UK and Ireland, built in partnership with NVIDIA and WeTransact. It is aimed at companies who are building, or ready to build, “agentic AI,” which refers to AI systems designed to take action, complete tasks, and make decisions independently, rather than simply generating text or images.

The program is part of Microsoft’s wider $30 billion investment in the UK’s AI future. That funding is focused on strengthening the region as a global AI hub through new data centres, training, and innovation support for growing tech companies.

How the Agentic Launchpad program works and what participating startups get

Companies already building AI technology and looking to scale can apply now through November 28, 2025, via an online form. Microsoft asks applicants to outline their product vision, technical approach, and how prepared they are to build on Azure, its cloud platform.

Selected startups will work directly with Microsoft and NVIDIA engineers to refine and accelerate their AI systems. They also receive Azure credits and access to NVIDIA’s startup and training programs, helping them develop advanced AI without heavy upfront costs.

Alongside technical support, the program provides commercial backing. Microsoft will help promote participating companies and boost their visibility through its marketing channels. Startups can list their products on the Microsoft marketplace and receive introductions to potential enterprise customers, speeding up adoption and sales.

Participants will join a focused cohort, gaining access to workshops, major AI events, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors. Microsoft will also spotlight selected companies across its press and partner channels, helping position them as emerging leaders in agentic AI.

Microsoft’s major UK investments and partnerships

Microsoft’s wider $30 billion investment into the UK’s AI future is already underway, with new data centres, training initiatives, and innovation programs designed to help the country become a major global AI hub. This Launchpad sits alongside those efforts, giving promising local companies a direct route to scale and succeed.

The program also deepens Microsoft’s long-standing partnership with NVIDIA, pairing Microsoft’s cloud and enterprise reach with NVIDIA’s powerful AI hardware, tools, and startup ecosystem. It builds on Microsoft’s existing GenAI Accelerator, which is a six-week program in the UK designed to help AI startups move faster, giving them access to Azure cloud credits, NVIDIA’s startup tools, and hands-on support from Microsoft’s AI engineers. However, this time the focus goes beyond just generative AI, supporting companies working on more advanced autonomous and agentic AI systems.

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