Microsoft and Danone team up for AI Factory start-up acceleration program

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AI Factory, Microsoft’s support program for start-ups specializing in artificial intelligence, launched its call for applications on January 6. The start-ups of the third class, called AI Factory For AgriFood, will be supported for the occasion by the IT company but also by Danone.

As part of the vision "One Planet, One Health"claimed by the industrial group, they will benefit from access to"real cases in demanding conditions of quality and performance", specifies the press release. "Artificial intelligence can contribute to the food revolution by improving our farming systems and food value chains", adds Cécile Cabanis, in charge, among other things, of strategy at Danone.

For its part, Microsoft will provide personalized support through its technological skills and the services of the Azure platform, but also its sales network. The National Research Institute for Digital Sciences (Inria), France Digitale, Fabernovel, EIT Food and Seventure Partners are also teaming up alongside the two partners. They will intervene during the different phases of the program, from the sourcing of start-ups to the selection process through coaching sessions.

Solutions already on the market

This third edition intends to encourage projects more specifically "at the service of regenerative agriculture (soil health, animal welfare, support for farmers), sustainable food, waste reduction and optimization of supply chains"The statement said. It aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the agrifood sector and at the same time, support young companies to continue their development in artificial intelligence and cloud computing … and to identify the real nuggets.

The program is also organized around other major economic and societal issues such as health, environment / energy, transport and financial services. For each sector, it was designed to be "a co-innovation laboratory that links start-ups, the world of research and the various players in the sector".

The young shoots, who have until February 6 to apply, must have developed and marketed a solution dedicated to the food industry based on an artificial intelligence technology, and intended for professionals in the food industry. They must also have already raised funds since their creation. 6 start-ups, whose names will be announced on March 5, will be selected.

Aude Chardenon

 @ChardenonA 

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