In a strategic collaboration, Accenture and consumer goods giant Unilever have joined forces to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced productivity and disruptive innovations on a global scale. Unilever's recently launched global AI Lab, 'Horizon3 Labs,' situated in Toronto, will serve as the starting point for this ambitious endeavor. Toronto's reputation for AI expertise aligns with Accenture's Gen AI studio presence in the city, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking AI research and development.

The collaboration aims to explore and scale generative AI applications, utilizing assets like Accenture's AI Navigator and its exclusive 'switchboard.' This proprietary tool enables users to select a combination of models tailored to their unique business context. With a longstanding relationship spanning over three decades, Accenture and Unilever are poised to elevate Unilever's AI capabilities rapidly and responsibly, opening new avenues for value creation. Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, emphasized the significance of combining Horizon3 Labs' disruptive innovation with Accenture's expertise and ecosystem partnerships to drive AI advancements.

Steve McCrystal, Chief Enterprise and Technology Officer at Unilever, expressed excitement about intensifying their innovation agenda through collaboration with Accenture. Leveraging Accenture's $3 billion investment in data and AI, the initiative will tap into industry solutions, accelerators, and the expertise of over 1,450 data and AI experts within Accenture's Center for Advanced AI. This strategic alliance underscores a commitment to propel AI to new heights and discover innovative pathways to value across Unilever's operations.