Microsoft and NVIDIA open AI software support programme in the UK and Ireland

Software companies in the UK and Ireland can now apply for help developing AI products—and selling them. Microsoft and NVIDIA opened applications for Frontier Launchpad on November 3, 2026, offering selected businesses technical advice, commercial guidance and connections to potential customers and partners. The programme targets companies with an established software product.

From building on a platform to selling together

Frontier Launchpad builds on last year’s Microsoft Agentic Launchpad. The new programme is aimed at businesses investing in AI within an existing software offering, as well as those building products around AI. Its stated remit covers AI applications, task-specific AI assistants and software platforms built around the technology.

The commercial side has a precedent in the earlier programme. In Microsoft’s announcement, Palindrome co-founder Edward Beckett described working with Microsoft to sell into regulated financial services. His account concerned Agentic Launchpad, rather than results from the new programme, whose first participants have yet to join.

The Agentic Launchpad turned Microsoft from a platform we build on into a partner that sells with us. For a start-up selling into regulated financial services, it has been hugely impactful.

Edward Beckett, co-founder of Palindrome, on last year’s Agentic Launchpad

Technical help meets customer access

Selected companies will work with Microsoft AI specialists, cloud architects and Microsoft Marketplace advisers, alongside NVIDIA technical experts. Microsoft describes that support as help developing products and using AI effectively. The technical offer brings product-development advice and cloud expertise into the same programme as guidance on getting software ready for sale.

NVIDIA’s contribution includes access to technical expertise and training through NVIDIA Inception and the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute, according to Tobias Halloran, its director of start-ups for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. Inception provides technical resources for start-ups; the Deep Learning Institute provides training in AI and related technologies.

On the sales side, participants will receive guidance on preparing products for Microsoft Marketplace, the company’s online store for business technology. They will also get help with co-selling, where Microsoft and a partner work together to reach customers. International expansion support will draw on Microsoft’s partner network, customer relationships and commercial channels.

The programme has two focused pathways: one for AI platforms and software built around AI, and another for financial services and financial technology. Those tracks sit within the same offer of technical and commercial support, rather than separate application programmes.

An existing product is the entry point

Applicants must be software companies in the UK or Ireland. Microsoft sets out four requirements for businesses seeking a place:

• Have an established software product already available to customers.
• Be investing in AI or building products that use it.
• Want to reach more customers and grow the business.
• Be looking to expand into new markets.

Places are limited. Selection will focus on growth potential, clear plans for AI and a commitment to developing new software. Meeting the eligibility requirements therefore does not secure admission: companies must also be selected for the first group.

Applications close on November 27, 2026. Microsoft’s announcement links to the Frontier Launchpad application form, and successful companies are scheduled to join in early 2027. The next step is selection; the promised technical work, training and commercial support will follow for those admitted.