Unifying Cloud Programs with Azure Accelerate
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
Intended Audience: Microsoft Partners
Cloud adoption has evolved beyond basic migrations to embrace AI-driven innovation, agility, cost efficiency, and governance. In step with this shift, Microsoft Azure has transformed into a data and AI-centric platform, supporting modern workloads such as containers, advanced analytics, and multi-cloud environments.
As an FY26 announcement, Microsoft has introduced Azure Accelerate, a unified program that simplifies cloud migration and AI adoption by consolidating key initiatives to meet the growing demand for secure, AI-powered transformation.
What is Azure Accelerate?
Azure Accelerate is Microsoft’s unified program, part of the AI Cloud Partner Program, designed to fast-track cloud and AI adoption. It combines previous initiatives into one streamlined offering that supports organizations from assessment to execution with expert help and funding from the Cloud Accelerate Factory, at no additional cost.
Unlike earlier Azure Migrate and Modernize and Azure Innovate programs, Azure Accelerate provides a single, end-to-end framework. It focuses on both planning and execution, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to adopt cloud and AI quickly, with lower risk and greater impact.
What Are the Benefits of Azure Accelerate?
- Simplify and speed cloud adoption with end-to-end support for streamlined migration and modernization.
- Maximize value with flexible funding through Azure credits, Partner incentives, and uncapped investment opportunities.
- Gain expert-led deployment support through the Cloud Accelerate Factory, offering zero-cost technical assistance from Microsoft and access to a specialized Partner ecosystem.
- Accelerate time-to-value with AI-powered tools, proven best practices, and funded pilots that reduce risk and drive innovation.
What is Cloud Accelerate Factory?
The Cloud Accelerate Factory is an initiative that provides zero-cost, expert-driven deployment support for over 30 Azure services. It’s designed to help businesses quickly and efficiently implement cloud solutions using best practices and repeatable frameworks.
This program is a core component of Azure Accelerate, which is Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline cloud and AI adoption. By integrating Cloud Accelerate Factory into Azure Accelerate, Microsoft ensures that customers not only receive strategic guidance and funding but also hands-on technical execution to fast-track their digital transformation.
What Happened to Azure Migrate and Modernize and Azure Innovate?
Microsoft used to have two separate programs:
- Azure Migrate and Modernize: Streamlines on-premises workload migration to Azure with assessment and planning tools.
- Azure Innovate: Enables Partners and customers to integrate AI and analytics into their cloud solutions from design to deployment.
Microsoft consolidated Azure Migrate and Modernize with Azure Innovate into the single program, Azure Accelerate, to provide an end-to-end experience. This unification eliminates overlap, simplifies navigation, and offers consistent funding, expert support, and broader scenario coverage.
Azure Accelerate retains all core tools and capabilities from both programs, including AI-driven assessments, migration planning, proof-of-concept pilots, and deployment support with less complexity and greater investment flexibility.
Get Started with Azure Accelerate
Eligibility and Prerequisites:
Azure Accelerate is intended for organizations collaborating with qualified Microsoft Partners who have Azure designations or specializations. Participation and access to program benefits generally require Partners to obtain relevant Azure certifications and demonstrate cloud expertise.
Follow These Steps to Get Started:
- Define your goals: Identify your cloud or AI adoption objectives.
- Engage with experts: Connect with a qualified Azure partner or reach out to Microsoft Azure sales for guidance.
- Nominate your project: Submit your project or customer through the Azure Accelerate nomination process (available to Partners).
- Receive support: Get access to funding, technical resources, and deployment assistance from your Microsoft account team and Partners upon acceptance.
Available Tools and Resources:
Tips for Maximizing Value:
Want to make the most of Azure Accelerate? Set yourself up for success with these tips:
- Engage early with partners and your Microsoft account team to tailor plans.
- Use the Cloud Accelerate Factory for no-cost deployment support.
- Leverage funded pilots and workshops to build skills and validate workloads.
- Align projects with Microsoft’s best practices and sector-specific compliance models.
Navigate Azure Accelerate with Maven Collective
Azure Accelerate is built to support organizations at every stage of their cloud journey, whether migrating, modernizing, or innovating with AI.
At Maven Collective, we understand the unique dynamics of the Microsoft Partner ecosystem. From building awareness and generating demand to aligning with Microsoft priorities and programs, we help you move forward with clarity and purpose.
Looking to grow your Microsoft partnership? Connect with the Mavens to explore how we can help you succeed in the Microsoft ecosystem.
