Accenture, Avanade Launch AI Practice to Drive Transformation

Accenture and its joint venture with Microsoft, Avanade, have announced the creation of a Copilot business transformation practice aimed at helping organizations integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations securely and responsibly. This initiative, backed by Microsoft, includes co-investments in new technologies, solutions, and training, reflecting a strategic effort to meet the growing demand for AI-driven business reinvention.  

The practice, supported by a team of 5,000 professionals from Accenture and Avanade, will focus on leveraging generative and agentic AI technologies, including Microsoft Copilot, to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock new growth opportunities, as reported by Microsoft. Clients will also have access to over 50,000 Copilot-trained professionals across the two companies, alongside Microsoft product specialists.  

“The powerful combination of Microsoft Copilot, agentic and generative AI technologies, and Avanade’s and Accenture’s deep industry expertise will help enable enterprises to reimagine their processes, strengthen their security, and open up new pathways to value,” said Julie Sweet, CEO, Accenture.

The new practice will focus on providing organizations with AI templates, extensions, plugins, and connectors, enabling them to harness their data and generative AI to improve business processes. Applications include Microsoft’s AI-powered security capabilities, which can enhance security operations and enable analysts to make faster, better decisions.  

“By bringing together Copilots and human ambition, paired with the autonomous capabilities of an agent, we can accelerate AI transformation for organizations across industries and help them achieve successful business outcomes through pragmatic innovation,” said Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President, Microsoft.

Accenture and Avanade have already developed AI agents designed to enhance workflows and boost revenue. A supplier discovery and risk agent, for instance, provides real-time market insights, agile supply chain responses, and better vendor selection, potentially reducing costs by up to 15%.