Global technology firms Microsoft and NVIDIA, in collaboration with strategy partner WeTransact, have launched the Agentic Launchpad—a new initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of AI-first software companies in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The programme builds on Microsoft’s reported £22 billion (approximately US $30 billion) investment in UK AI infrastructure and is designed to support startups and scale-ups that are developing advanced “agentic AI” systems—artificial intelligence platforms capable of autonomous action, decision-making and task execution beyond generating content.
Under the initiative, eligible companies will gain access to Microsoft’s Azure cloud resources, expert technical guidance, co-innovation opportunities with Microsoft and NVIDIA engineers, and participation in events and workshops including the Microsoft AI Tour. Participating firms will also receive marketing support, global go-to-market assistance and increased visibility through Microsoft’s promotional channels.
According to Microsoft UK & Ireland CEO Darren Hardman, the programme reflects the company’s commitment to fostering a next-generation AI ecosystem in the region. He noted that Microsoft and NVIDIA are passionate about helping build the agentic AI future and see innovation flourish in the UK’s startup community. NVIDIA EMEA Vice-President Serge Palaric added that the collaboration would enable startups to accelerate development by leveraging NVIDIA’s Deep Learning Institute training, the NVIDIA Inception programme and access to NVIDIA infrastructure.
The application window for the first cohort is open between 4 November and 28 November 2025. Applicants are required to outline their product vision, technical readiness and preparedness to build on Azure. The programme is directed at UK-based software development companies working on agentic applications, intelligent systems or generative AI platforms that aim to scale.
The Agentic Launchpad model differs from traditional accelerator programmes by combining cloud credits, technical mentorship, marketing acceleration and ecosystem access all within a unified framework. Startups will receive direct pipelines to Microsoft and NVIDIA engineering teams, feature opportunities in partner communications and exposure at global summits. The model is intended to reduce time-to-market for breakthrough AI innovations and expand the global footprint of participating firms.
For the UK and Ireland startup ecosystem the initiative represents a timely boost. With AI adoption accelerating across industries, the Launchpad offers a structured pathway for startups to mature, scale and gain enterprise-level support. The collaboration aligns with broader government and industry efforts to position the UK as a major AI innovation hub.
From a startup perspective the programme offers multiple value levers. Technical support from industry leaders, marketing amplification, cloud and hardware access, and ecosystem navigation are significant enablers. But success will depend on companies entering with clear technical differentiation, strong product-market fit and the ability to scale business operations. For founders of agentic AI platforms, the support may help bridge gaps in go-to-market execution, developer talent and infrastructure access.
However the launch also raises questions about competition, exclusivity and selection bias. With access to leading-edge infrastructure and resources reserved for selected cohorts, startups outside the programme may face a widening support gap. Additionally the focus on the UK-Ireland region invites comparisons with other global startup hubs where similar initiatives have emerged, raising the issue of global equity in AI development.
For Microsoft and NVIDIA the programme serves strategic interests. Microsoft strengthens its engagement with the global AI ecosystem and reinforces Azure’s attractiveness for AI-first companies. NVIDIA further embeds its hardware and training infrastructure in the startup pipeline. This symbiotic alignment helps both firms leverage startup innovation, convert it into enterprise-ready solutions and strengthen their platform positions.
In the broader industry context the Agentic Launchpad reflects a shift in accelerator programming from general-purpose support to specialised, domain-driven frameworks optimised for next-generation AI architectures. By focusing on agentic systems—AI engines that can plan, act and adapt—the programme signals that the frontier of AI has moved beyond conversation and content generation towards autonomous systems embedded in workflows and decision-making.
For startups, industry watchers suggest the metric for success will extend beyond participation to measurable outcomes: product launches, enterprise contracts, platform integrations, and revenue scaling. In that regard, the first cohort will serve as a litmus test of how effectively large technology firms can catalyse innovation in the ecosystem.
In summary, Microsoft and NVIDIA’s launch of the Agentic Launchpad in the UK and Ireland represents a dedicated effort to empower AI-first startups, providing technical, marketing and go-to-market support. With applications open and industry momentum behind it, the initiative may become a meaningful waypoint for agentic AI innovation in Europe.