The University of Warwick Science Park has revealed further details of a new programme aimed at helping businesses unlock the potential of artificial intelligence and accelerate innovation.
The Ignite Applied AI Lab will launch in the autumn and feature eight modules aimed at helping businesses improve productivity, develop AI capabilities and bring products and services to market more quickly.
The programme will combine practical workshops, skills development and hands-on support to help companies adopt AI effectively and responsibly.
More details of the initiative were revealed to members of The University of Warwick Science Park’s Ignite Alumni Network who met at the Warwick Innovation Centre in Warwick for their latest meeting.
The Ignite Alumni Network was established in 2023 to bring together businesses and associates that have benefited from the Science Park’s support programmes. The Ignite programme offers affordable space to innovative start-ups and scale-ups, as well as access to business mentors, specialists and networking events.
The Ignite Applied AI Lab, which has been designed in collaboration with software start-up DF4 Labs, Ascendea AI, Raiven AI and Backona AI will feature two pathways called Build Your AI Foundation, which focuses on skills development, and Deploy AI in Your Business, which will build on the Science Park’s successful applied AI workshops.
Businesses will also be able to access regular drop-in clinics, one-to-one support and practical problem-solving sessions focused on productivity improvements and product development.
Dirk Schaefer, Incubator Manager at the University of Warwick Science Park, said the Ignite Applied AI Lab was being introduced to meet the growing demand for practical support among businesses developing AI solutions as well as helping businesses achieve productivity gains from introducing AI in their operations.
He said: “Seventy per cent of businesses joining Ignite have an AI proposition within their business, but sometimes developments are taking too long.
“There is a lot we can add to help businesses launch their AI platforms quicker and in good order.
“Some people have more knowledge of AI than others, so we are starting a programme which covers the basics. The modules will become increasingly complex, meaning businesses can join at any point in the programme.
“This will give owners the opportunity to come away with a strategy, including what they need to know about ethics and why they should implement AI. Some companies are not ready because they need to get their data sorted so this will give them an opportunity to do so before we officially launch the programme later this year.
“Each session is two hours and participants will leave with practical action points that can make an immediate impact on their business.”
At the latest event, members heard from a range of speakers covering topics including product development, intellectual property protection, digital transformation and the commercial adoption of AI.
There were presentations from Jonathan Hill-Davies of SolidWorks, who discussed product design and development, while patent attorney Nick Jones of Marks & Clerk highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property before innovations are made public.
Businesses also heard from Tom Ormsby of Raiven AI, who reflected on the company’s growth since speaking at an Ignite Alumni events two years ago. He highlighted how the business has expanded its support for organisations looking to adopt AI technologies to improve efficiency and generate deeper business insights.
Rohit Thakral from digital adoption specialists Target Integration spoke about the company’s expansion from Ireland into the UK market, while Maxine Wilson of Openproperty outlined plans for a new platform that aims to provide every home with a digital consumer passport containing the information required when buying and selling property.
Dirk added: “One of the great strengths of the network is seeing businesses at different stages of growth sharing their experiences and expertise.
“The Ignite Applied AI Lab is a natural next step because we are seeing increasing demand from businesses that want practical support to adopt AI effectively and responsibly. We’re looking forward to helping more companies turn ideas into commercial opportunities.”
The network is supported by Ignite Alumni sponsors PLMR Midlands, Edwards Chartered Accountants and Marks & Clerk.
