Issy-Les-Moulineaux, 5th of July, 2019 The AI Factory is Microsoft’s support program for start-ups specialized in Artificial Intelligence, and after two years of existence is evolving to solve 5 major economic and societal issues in Europe : health, environment/energy, transportation, financial services and agri-food. The first accelerator from this program is AI For Green Energy, launched in partnership with Schneider Electric and is dedicated to finding new ways to use artificial intelligence to decrease consumption and increase energy efficiency.
The AI Factory, the power of innovation solving major societal challenges
Created in partnership with the Inria laboratory, the AI Factory unites a community dedicated to the development of innovative solutions based on Artificial Intelligence. Two years after its creation and with 27 start-ups already supported, the AI Factory is evolving towards a new program structured around key sectors: health, environment/energy, transportation, financial services and agri-food. To select and support these specialized start-ups, Microsoft will team up with partners, large economic actors, in France and Europe, who will each bring their experience and expertise in their respective spheres of activities.
Next steps for the AI Factory program
The first phase of this new program, AI For Green Energy, is launched in partnership with Schneider Electric, leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation. Entrepreneurs will benefit from the technical and business expertise of Microsoft and Schneider Electric during a 3-month acceleration period. The ambition of this first program is to accelerate the digital transformation of this sector, and to help European start-ups continue their development in artificial intelligence. The Inria laboratory, Sigfox, Elaia, Energize Venture and France Digitale are also partnering with this program and will be involved at different stages of the program (start-up sourcing, selection process, coaching etc.)
First step for the start-ups : apply!
Entrepreneurs with great ideas to use AI to transform energy should apply here to file an application- The application process is open from July 1 to August 31. Conditions to apply :
– The start-up must have developped a Green Energy solution based on artificial intelligence technology for businesses and organizations.
– The start-up must have already carried out fundraising.
The announcement of the 6 winners will be made official on October 2 in Barcelona at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit.
Agnès Van de Walle, Director of the One Commercial Partner entity : “We are delighted to leverage our ecosystem of partners to serve together the most important causes to society, thanks to the start-ups of tomorrow. Schneider Electric will bring to this first promotion an in-depth expertise and personalised support, accelerating innovation across the energy sector. »
Cyril Perducat, Chief Executive IoT and Digital Transformation, Schneider Electric: “We are delighted to partner with Microsoft to incubate new ideas to use AI to help the energy sector in the energy transition.. Co-innovation projects like this one are important to move the entire energy industry towards a sustainable future. ”
Other programs will be presented before the end of the year.
Hopscotch Agency for Microsoft France
Névine Chatila – 01 41 34 22 94 – [email protected]
Marlène Para – 0141 34 23 74- [email protected]
Schneider Electric France
Caroline Pinel – 06 71 73 45 37 –[email protected]
