Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is aggressively expanding its artificial intelligence (AI) portfolio through a series of strategic moves aimed at solidifying its leadership in AI-driven business transformation. The global consulting firm is deploying targeted investments, partnerships, and an acquisition to help clients navigate a data-centric environment, with a focus on agentic AI, digital trust, and scalable solutions across retail, telecommunications, and other sectors.
Firstly, Accenture Ventures has invested in Profitmind, a retail technology company specializing in agentic AI. This partnership aims to enhance retail operations by automating critical decisions in pricing, inventory, and planning. Profitmind's platform integrates machine learning, generative AI, and agentic AI to connect disparate data sources, providing explainable recommendations. One client reportedly achieved over 250 basis points in profit improvement using the technology. Jill Standish, Accenture’s global retail lead, stated the solution addresses merchandising challenges overwhelmed by data, enabling trusted, quick decisions.
In a separate development, Accenture has partnered with NTT DOCOMO GLOBAL to launch the Universal Wallet Infrastructure (UWI). Announced in Tokyo, this enterprise-grade platform allows organizations to issue, verify, and manage digital credentials, tokens, and assets. It is designed to promote interoperability across enterprises and governments while safeguarding user consent and regulatory compliance, aiming to power a data-led, AI-driven digital society.
Furthermore, Accenture has agreed to acquire Faculty, a UK-based AI native services firm founded in 2014. The acquisition brings over 400 AI professionals, including data scientists and engineers, into Accenture's fold. Faculty's expertise, demonstrated in projects like the UK National Health Service’s COVID-19 Early Warning System, will integrate with Accenture's offerings. Faculty's enterprise decision intelligence product, Faculty Frontier, is noted for bolstering decision-making. Faculty CEO Marc Warner will join Accenture as chief technology officer.
Julie Sweet, Accenture’s chair and CEO, noted these initiatives accelerate trusted AI integration into client operations. These moves align with a broader corporate trend, as a survey of over 1,300 global executives indicates aggressive AI investment strategies, with AI spending projected to reach $500 billion globally and M&A activity surging by 41% to $4.8 trillion.
