PwC announces launch of new Cambridge-based digital accelerator

PwC Cambridge is excited to announce a new digital accelerator – a 12-week Innovation Programme backed by Multinational Corporations working with technology scale-ups.

Last year, PwC's global network invested US$1 billion in technology solutions and supporting programmes, positioning itself as one of the most cloud-enabled organisations globally. This strategic investment aims to drive innovation, enhance quality, and improve efficiency for clients. As part of our ongoing global technology transformation, we are leveraging the innovative capabilities of our people to deliver new solutions and enhance service efficiency.

The new Cambridge-based digital accelerator is a programme designed to tackle significant innovation challenges through mentoring, coaching and collaboration with multinational companies and startups. Selecting client innovation challenges from across the PwC Global network, PwC's digital accelerator is equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and digital technology. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and facilitating effective solutions to complex business issues.

Abhi Naha, who joined PwC as Digital Accelerator Director in November 2023, will be leading this initiative. In his role, Mr. Naha establishes and guides the entire new tech division within PwC. This division solves innovation challenges using the power of scale-ups and high-trust ecosystems for greater insights, impact, and value creation.

Abhi Naha, Digital Accelerator Director at PwC UK said: 

“I am thrilled to officially announce PwC’s new digital accelerator. With significant advancements in Gen AI, digital sustainability, healthcare, and cloud computing, this innovative digital accelerator will combine world-class techno-economic thinking with strategic scale-up partnerships. Our goal is to deliver value and impact at scale and speed, particularly in high-growth markets.”

“This marks the first time we are launching a global, three-month accelerator initiative within the PwC to assist scale-ups and startups in overcoming their challenges. Our people are empowered to identify areas where innovation can enhance efficiency.”

In the dynamic landscape of technology, where innovation is often driven by the latest advancements, there exists a noticeable gap between cutting-edge technology and sound business strategy. While many technology companies focus on proving the potential of technologies like 5G, Gen AI, and IoT smart cities, a comprehensive understanding of business thinking and scaling these innovations effectively is often lacking.

PwC’s innovative program, unlike traditional accelerators, combines agile methodologies with critical business thinking, bringing together the worlds of technology and business in a unique and impactful way. The digital accelerator is also not limited to a specific industry; instead, it targets digital scale-ups across various sectors, from healthcare to manufacturing.

Expanding beyond the vibrant tech ecosystem in Cambridge, PwC's digital accelerator holds the promise of becoming a transformative force on a national and global scale. While the core team currently operates in Cambridge, a hub of technological innovation, the program has the potential to extend its reach not just to national-wide, but also to global tech hubs, from Barcelona to Bangalore. 

Beyond the business impact, PwC's digital accelerator also addresses a broader challenge in Cambridge and other regions – attracting young talent. By fostering a creative, entrepreneurial, and innovative environment, the initiative aims to draw in young minds passionate about sustainable solutions and the application of AI on a global scale.

Simon De Young, PwC Senior Partner for Cambridge said:

“We are so pleased Abhi has joined us to lead this business. We are innovating and learning as we build the business. However, one of the key objectives for me is for PwC to support the growth of Cambridge as a centre for innovation by facilitating a trusted platform that allows our international network of clients to engage and collaborate effectively with start-ups and scale-ups through the digital accelerator programs. This will enable the Cambridge businesses to commercialise their innovation at an early stage and therefore bring real value back into the wider business and local economic environment”.