Alibaba revolutionises B2B commerce with ‘Accio’ – the AI-powered search engine for SMEs

Alibaba has launched ‘Accio’, an innovative tool that promises to transform B2B commerce, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe and the Americas. This search engine, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), is designed to simplify and optimise the global sourcing process.

What is Accio and how does it work?

Accio is the first B2B search engine to use AI to deliver an advanced, tailored search experience. Businesses can describe their needs in natural language, allowing the platform to interpret and deliver accurate results that match their specific requirements.

Accio’s salient features

• Natural language search: Users can make descriptive queries and receive accurate and relevant results.
• Market trend analysis: Accio monitors the market in real time to provide up-to-date information on product demand and profitability.
• Personalised recommendations: The tool suggests products and suppliers based on previous searches and behavioural patterns.
• Search by image: Users can upload product images to find suppliers of similar items.

Benefits for SMEs

Accio offers multiple advantages to SMEs looking to expand into international markets:

• Access to a global network: Facilitates connection to thousands of suppliers worldwide, opening up new business opportunities.
• Optimisation of supply: Reduces time and costs associated with the process of searching for and selecting suppliers.
• Better decision making: With real-time data and analytics, companies can make more strategic choices.
• Global competitiveness: Accio helps SMEs compete on a level playing field with large corporations.

Launch at Web Summit 2024

Accio was officially launched during the Web Summit 2024, an event that served to showcase how this tool can be a catalyst for the digitisation and growth of SMEs. Alibaba underlined its commitment to technological innovation and supporting small businesses in their international expansion.

Future perspectives

The launch of Accio is a significant step in Alibaba’s strategy to empower SMEs with advanced tools to drive their digital transformation. This platform not only facilitates access to global markets, but also strengthens companies’ ability to adapt to a changing business environment.

In addition to Accio, Alibaba is developing other initiatives aimed at strengthening the B2B ecosystem, demonstrating its holistic approach to improving the international trade experience for SMEs.

Accio is positioned as a comprehensive solution to optimise operations, expand commercial reach and consolidate the competitiveness of SMEs in the global market. With this tool, Alibaba reaffirms its leadership in e-commerce and its commitment to be a key ally for small and medium-sized enterprises in their growth.