AMERICAN multinational technology group Cisco and the University of Edinburgh are to collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven innovation, a pillar of the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

As a first step, the company will support 20 start-ups through the university and Wayra UK’s AI and Blockchain Accelerator, which will see Cisco provide business development and technical support, mentoring and access to tools for resident start-ups over the next three years.

The programme is based at the university’s Bayes Centre and is already home to the first cohort of 10 start-ups.

Tony Gribben (pictured right), Cisco Scotland’s country manager, said: “The insight that we can gain from data opens up amazing opportunity for all industries – not least with its application in the field of AI.

“We’re delighted to be working with the University of Edinburgh to bring this to life in Scotland.

“The ambition to drive economic and inclusive growth for the region is something that we very much support, and we look forward to continuing to partner with industry, government and academia on initiatives towards that goal.”

Jim Ashe, the university’s director of commercialisation and industry engagement, added: “As well as becoming a key supporter of our flagship AI and blockchain accelerator programme, the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding underscores our intention to work together more collaboratively across all areas of data-driven innovation.

“We look forward to collaborating with Cisco’s Networking Academy, research centre and wider innovation and investment teams on projects that will support innovative research, accelerate data adoption and fuel entrepreneurship across a wide range of initiatives.”

The City Region Deal, launched last August, aims to help Edinburgh and South East Scotland accelerate growth and create economic opportunities and jobs to drive growth.