Microsoft and NVIDIA have opened applications for Frontier Launchpad, a programme designed to help software companies in the UK and Ireland develop artificial intelligence 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. Participants will work with Microsoft AI specialists, cloud architects, Microsoft Marketplace advisers, and NVIDIA technical experts, and will receive guidance on preparing products for Microsoft Marketplace and on co-selling. The programme will include two focused pathways: AI platforms and software built around AI, and financial services and financial technology. Participants will also explore opportunities to enter new markets through Microsoft’s international partner network, customer relationships, and commercial channels. 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, and are looking to expand into new markets. 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, and that through NVIDIA Inception and the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute the programme will give these companies access to NVIDIA’s technical expertise and training. Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK & Ireland, said the programme