NatWest has announced a £70,000 prize for the winner of its Accelerator Pitch competition, part of a broader £1 million initiative to support UK startups and scaleups. In collaboration with Google Cloud, the scheme offers entrepreneurs access to AI tools, cloud technology and expert-led digital skills training.
Marking ten years of the NatWest Accelerator programme, the pitch competition invites UK entrepreneurs to submit 60-second videos outlining how funding would accelerate their business. Finalists will compete in live events, with the top three sharing a £100,000 prize pool. The overall winner will receive £70,000.
The initiative is designed not only to provide capital but also to reward businesses with clear, impactful growth strategies. Alongside funding, the partnership with Google Cloud delivers training on AI implementation and digital marketing. Startups also receive Google Cloud credits to help offset technical costs.
Darren Pirie, Head of the NatWest Group Accelerator, said the programme empowers businesses to navigate a fast-changing technological landscape. “Digital skills are critical to unlocking small business growth across the UK,” he said. Darren Mowry, Vice President of Global Startups at Google Cloud, echoed the sentiment, highlighting Google’s commitment to supporting UK innovation.
Since launching in 2015, the NatWest Accelerator has supported nearly 10,000 businesses, helped raise over £684 million in investment and contributed to the creation of more than 12,000 jobs. NatWest now plans to expand the programme, with a goal of supporting up to 10,000 entrepreneurs in 2025 and forming new university partnerships to extend its reach.
This competition coincides with Google Cloud’s launch of a 12-week, equity-free accelerator for AI startups. With over 60% of UK AI startups already using Google Cloud, the collaboration strengthens the UK's ecosystem for responsible, tech-led business growth.
Together, NatWest’s funding and Google’s digital infrastructure offer a powerful platform for entrepreneurs ready to lead in the AI economy. By combining financial support with hands-on expertise, the initiative positions the UK at the forefront of ethical and transformative innovation.
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