Companies that aim to transform how we recycle, make websites more accessible for people who are Deaf, and give the public a greater say in how their towns change have joined a Microsoft programme that uses AI to tackle challenges in society. The latest AI for Good cohort, based in London, contains 12 start-ups from across Britain who will be given access to Microsoft technology, resources and expertise that will help them develop and launch their products and solutions. The programme is run by Microsoft and the Social Tech Trust. It is open to entrepreneurs from the UK who are developing a solution that focuses on one of four areas – AI for Earth, AI for Accessibility, AI for Humanitarian Action and AI for Cultural Heritage. By helping grow innovative ideas into established companies, Microsoft and the Social Tech Trust hope to create a more sustainable and accessible world.

Today at our flagship technology event, Future Decoded, we announced the launch of the Microsoft UK AI for Good 2020 accelerator programme to help UK purpose-driven ventures advance their AI solutions and create positive social change. Now in its second year, the Accelerator builds on last year's success, which saw 11 organisations graduate, all of whom reported positive impact on their business following the programme. Unveiled this morning by our Chief Environmental Officer Dr Lucas Joppa, the UK AI for Good Accelerator will be run by Microsoft for Startups and the Social Tech Trust from our accelerator space in Shoreditch, London. "AI is one of the most important tools we have to accelerate innovation at the speed and scale we need to address climate change and other important societal challenges. It's exciting to see Microsoft's AI for Good initiative evolving to engage new partners and help catalyse social impact organisations across the UK." "We have an exciting opportunity to help more social tech ventures to shape the future we want to see, using AI. I'm inspired by the growth we've seen from the 11 ventures in our first cohort and can't wait to see the very best UK social tech innovations that emerge as we open applications for our second AI for Good programme, in partnership with Microsoft."

Today at our flagship technology event, Future Decoded, we announced the launch of the Microsoft UK AI for Good 2020 accelerator programme to help UK purpose-driven ventures advance their AI solutions and create positive social change. Now in its second year, the Accelerator builds on last year's success, which saw 11 organisations graduate, all of whom reported positive impact on their business following the programme. Unveiled this morning by our Chief Environmental Officer Dr Lucas Joppa, the UK AI for Good Accelerator will be run by Microsoft for Startups and the Social Tech Trust from our accelerator space in Shoreditch, London. "AI is one of the most important tools we have to accelerate innovation at the speed and scale we need to address climate change and other important societal challenges. It's exciting to see Microsoft's AI for Good initiative evolving to engage new partners and help catalyse social impact organisations across the UK." "We have an exciting opportunity to help more social tech ventures to shape the future we want to see, using AI. I'm inspired by the growth we've seen from the 11 ventures in our first cohort and can't wait to see the very best UK social tech innovations that emerge as we open applications for our second AI for Good programme, in partnership with Microsoft."