Marvin OnumonuNatWest Group has teamed up with Google Cloud to support UK startups by giving them access to artificial intelligence (AI) tools, cloud technology and training.
Google Cloud will deliver practical sessions on AI and digital marketing to businesses on NatWest’s Accelerator, both at the network of hubs across the UK and through the Accelerator app.
Eligible startups will also get Google Cloud credits to help them build and scale their businesses using Google’s infrastructure.
Research by NatWest found that 92% of future-fit firms used data analysis to inform most or all major decisions.
These future-fit companies were almost twice as likely to have started using AI compared to others in the survey.
Google Cloud will also work with NatWest on the Accelerator Pitch competition.
NatWest will put £1m into the contest, aimed at finding the next wave of UK startups.
Today, 31st July, five entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses in Manchester, with the winner set to receive £70,000.
Judges will look at business models, growth plans and what impact the prize money could have.
Darren Pirie, head of the NatWest Group Accelerator, said: “The support we provide to small businesses on the NatWest Accelerator unlocks and accelerates growth right across the UK – helping businesses to boost their turnover, secure investment and scale.
“With technology evolving at an extraordinary pace, we are working hard to ensure that our customers are supported to develop the digital skills they’ll need to drive their growth.
“By embedding access to Google’s world-class expertise across our Accelerator, we are providing the practical support needed to help entrepreneurs understand AI and the benefits it could have for their business – so they can step into the future with the confidence and skills they’ll need to grow.”
Darren Mowry, vice president, global startups at Google Cloud, said: “Google Cloud is committed to helping UK businesses thrive by providing them with the digital skills and technology they need to innovate.
“By working with the NatWest Accelerator, we can directly support a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, providing them with access to training, resources, and Google Cloud tools to help them scale their ventures.”
