Microsoft and Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) have launched the Agentic AI Accelerator, a new programme under the Singapore Government’s Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI). The programme aims to support up to 300 local companies in their adoption of agentic artificial intelligence over the next 12 months.
The accelerator offers up to S$250,000 in baseline support per business in the form of Microsoft Azure cloud credits, AI tools, and training. Selected businesses may also receive an additional S$700,000 worth of services from Microsoft and its technology partners to co-develop customised AI roadmaps. These are in addition to the Government’s co-funded support of up to S$105,000 for consultancy costs per enterprise, aimed at helping companies build their own AI Centres of Excellence.
The initiative reflects a growing demand for AI-driven transformation among Singapore firms. According to Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index, 82% of business leaders in Singapore intend to deploy AI agents in their organisations within the next 12 to 18 months.
Driving AI transformation through collaboration
The accelerator forms part of Microsoft’s broader AI Pinnacle Program and builds on its vision to develop “Frontier Firms” – organisations that operate with hybrid teams of humans and AI agents. These agents can reason, plan, and execute tasks, working as digital counterparts to scale operations and improve agility.
“At Microsoft we see that Frontier Firms are the future – a new type of organisation where teams of humans and AI agents are working together, able to scale faster, move with greater agility, and create value in new ways,” said Cynthia Yeo, Acting Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore. “The combination of support now available to local businesses through the Government’s ECI and Microsoft’s new Agentic AI Accelerator will drive innovation and position Singapore to lead with AI.”
Microsoft is also expanding its research footprint in the region through the newly launched Microsoft Research Asia lab in Singapore. Supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB), the lab will allow participants of the accelerator to collaborate with scientists, attend workshops, and explore cutting-edge AI applications.
Support from government and industry partners
Speaking at the launch event on 1 August, Senior Minister of State Low Yen Ling from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth highlighted the importance of widening access to AI resources for Singapore-based companies.
Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of DISG, added: “We are pleased to partner with Microsoft who is forefront of AI and cloud innovation, to provide hundreds of Singapore-based enterprises with access to advanced Azure services and cutting-edge AI tools. This will support companies in dealing with the pace of change and get ahead to uncover new opportunities from Singapore.”
Microsoft’s role as a cloud partner under ECI includes helping companies create tailored AI transformation strategies with support from its technology partners. This will enable businesses to address operational challenges, boost productivity, and develop competitive advantages through AI.
Two organisations, NCS and Rajah & Tann, spoke at the event to share how they are using agentic AI in their respective industries. NCS Chief Scientist Ying Shao Wei noted that “trusted, hyperlocal AI solutions” are already being embedded into daily operations across sectors, in partnership with clients and government agencies. Rajah & Tann’s Rajesh Sreenivasan explained how Microsoft’s secure and scalable enterprise solutions have helped the firm manage legal practice risks while embracing innovation.
Broad benefits under the Agentic AI Accelerator
Companies accepted into the Agentic AI Accelerator may receive Azure credits of up to S$150,000, and access to AI training and tools valued at up to S$100,000. Further support of up to S$700,000 in services will be provided on a case-by-case basis.
Participants will also benefit from co-innovation opportunities with Microsoft-approved partners, access to cutting-edge research, and integration with Microsoft’s Copilot and Copilot Studio platforms for enterprise-level AI deployment.
