Microsoft and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) have jointly launched the Agentic AI Accelerator program. This significant initiative, part of the Government’s Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI), aims to transform up to 300 local businesses through AI over the next year.
The accelerator provides a baseline support of up to S$250,000 in Azure cloud credits, comprehensive AI training, and essential tools. Microsoft also offers up to S$700,000 in services to help select businesses co-develop ambitious agentic AI roadmaps with technology partners.
This program directly empowers companies to become ‘Frontier Firms,’ where human teams can collaborate seamlessly with AI agents for enhanced productivity. Microsoft’s latest Work Trend Index indicates that a striking 82% of business leaders plan to deploy AI agents within 12-18 months to scale workforce capacity.
The initiative complements existing government funding of S$105,000 for consulting costs, enabling businesses to establish their own AI Centres of Excellence. It also builds on Microsoft Singapore’s broader AI Pinnacle Program vision, fostering crucial co-innovation across diverse sectors like law and healthcare.
Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President, Head and Executive Director, Digital Industry Singapore, highlighted the program’s importance. “Increasing access to AI tools and services is pivotal to empowering Singapore-based enterprises to gain competitiveness. This will support companies in dealing with the pace of change and get ahead to uncover new opportunities from Singapore,” he stated.
The recently launched Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore lab will further support accelerator participants through this program. This offers unparalleled opportunities for deep research collaborations, expert lectures, and practical training workshops with world-class scientists.
Guest Idea
Philbert Gomez
Executive Director, Digital Industry Singapore & Senior Vice President and Head
Digital Industry Singapore
Philbert is the Executive Director, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) – the joint office between the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), with the mission to make it easy for technology companies and talent to grow and thrive with Singapore. DISG draws on the strengths of EDB, ESG and IMDA to attract and foster globally competitive technology companies to create new products and services from Singapore, for Asia and beyond. Prior to this, Philbert did 2 overseas stints in the US, first in Houston then in Washington DC. Philbert was part of the 31st Senior Management Program which concluded in August 2024.