Accenture, Avanade, and Microsoft launch transformative AI practice

In a pivotal move to accelerate AI-driven business transformation, Accenture, in collaboration with Avanade and Microsoft Corporation, has unveiled a Copilot business transformation practice. This initiative is designed to help organizations harness the power of generative and agentic AI, including Microsoft Copilot, to revolutionize operations, optimize processes, and unlock new avenues for growth.

Accenture and Microsoft’s next-level collaboration

Accenture Chair and CEO Julie Sweet emphasized that the initiative builds on the company’s long-standing partnership with Microsoft. Sweet noted that the collaboration combines Microsoft’s innovative AI technologies with Accenture’s deep industry expertise to support enterprises in securely integrating AI at scale. The initiative aims to reimagine business workflows, enhance security, and foster innovation.

With a significant co-investment of $200 million, the new practice brings together a robust team of 5,000 professionals from Accenture and Avanade, supported by Microsoft product specialists. These experts will leverage learnings from Accenture’s successful deployment of over 100,000 Microsoft 365 Copilots, which is expected to double to 200,000 users. The team will also draw on the capabilities of the Accenture Center for Advanced AI and over 50,000 Microsoft Copilot-trained professionals across the company.

Customized AI solutions for industry transformation

The Copilot business transformation practice focuses on creating bespoke AI solutions tailored to specific industries and functions. By deploying generative AI capabilities, the practice aims to help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive growth.

For example, Accenture and Avanade have developed a supplier discovery agent capable of delivering real-time market insights and agile supply chain responses, enabling organizations to save up to 15% on costs. Another innovation, a procure-to-pay agent, enhances vendor relations and operational efficiency by addressing urgent payment needs and minimizing service disruptions, offering a 40% improvement in process efficiency.

The impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot has been particularly notable. Global energy company Repsol saw a significant productivity boost, with employees saving an average of 121 minutes per week. The study also revealed a 16% improvement in output quality and increased confidence among employees using AI-enhanced workflows.

Skills and innovation for an AI-powered future

To address the growing demand for AI expertise, Accenture, in partnership with Udacity and Microsoft, has launched the Azure Generative AI Engineer Nanodegree. This program equips professionals with the skills to design and deploy AI solutions on Microsoft Azure, including custom Microsoft 365 Copilot applications. Participants engage in hands-on projects with industry advisors, ensuring practical, real-world experience.

Driving innovation through co-innovation labs

Accenture and Microsoft are further deepening their collaboration through the establishment of four Microsoft Co-Innovation Labs. These labs, located within Accenture offices and Microsoft facilities, serve as hubs for developing AI-led solutions and piloting transformative technologies. Clients can experience immersive showcases of cutting-edge AI applications tailored to specific business needs.

This initiative also extends to Accenture’s internal operations, where the company is integrating Copilot technologies across its corporate functions, including finance, marketing, and HR. These efforts exemplify how generative AI can redefine processes, enabling organizations to adopt efficient, AI-driven workflows responsibly.

A game-changer for industries worldwide

Accenture, Avanade, and Microsoft are already reshaping industries with tailored AI solutions. In retail, for instance, Bricorama, a French home improvement retailer, has benefited from a custom Copilot called “pAInt.” This tool, powered by Azure OpenAI, guides customers through projects, showcasing the practical applications of AI in enhancing customer experiences.

Meanwhile, in manufacturing, AI copilots are transforming factory operations by leveraging Microsoft Manufacturing Data Solutions in Fabric to optimize workflows and boost productivity.

The Copilot business transformation practice underscores the potential of generative and agentic AI to drive innovation across industries. With Accenture and Microsoft at the helm, businesses can leverage these tools to secure a competitive edge while ensuring responsible and ethical AI integration.