AI Accelerator
Hawthorn Advisors
Client: Northern Data Group
At its heart is a commitment to fast-track the next generation of AI startups through a dedicated programme offering early access to NVIDIA’s in-demand GPUs, plus mentorship and bespoke workshops led by industry leaders, including NVIDIA, HPE and Supermicro.
To cut through the saturated AI landscape, Hawthorn designed and delivered a fully integrated campaign spanning content creation, web design, paid social media, media buying, partner engagement, programme development and event management.
During the application phase alone, it generated 16.8M+ impressions, a 158% uplift in website traffic and a 67% increase in sales leads. Applications flooded in from 21 countries worldwide. A high-calibre review panel, featuring senior leaders from HPE, Supermicro, and Northern Data’s Tech Advisory Board, selected five breakthrough startups, all chosen for their innovative use of AI and transformative potential.
The results went beyond PR metrics. All startups reported accelerated innovation, with one scaling its data analysis by 100x, improving its modelling and speed to market. Access to critical hardware, coupled with coaching, helped the startups achieve a pace of growth rarely attainable at such an early stage of growth.
The AI Accelerator is now embedded in Northern Data’s strategic roadmap, with 70+ startups pre-registered for future programmes. More than a campaign, it became a platform for progress, fuelling innovation, forging industry alliances and shaping the future of AI.