Welcome to Yorkshire Innovation Exchange
YorkshireX: Transforming the North into a Tech Hub
"One of the reasons we started this programme was to empower everyone to understand how to build AI successfully and more importantly, safely and securely" - Sherin Mathew, CEO & Founder of AI Tech UK.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the business landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Yorkshire, fostering innovation, growth, and competitiveness. However, despite its potential, only 25% of businesses are actively leveraging AI.
One of the standout initiatives of the YorkshireX Programme was the third webinar of the series: AI Enablement - Ask me anything, a dynamic session designed to break down AI's real-world applications and provide businesses with direct access to industry expertise.
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This webinar provided practical insights into AI applications through real-world case studies and expert discussions. The session began with Shaun Walsh and Kristy Dean from Perform Partners, who emphasized the importance of supporting the adoption of new technology and change with a foundation of mental well-being, empathy and practical strategies.
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The session then featured Mark Cox-Smith from Ingram Micro, who showcased three diverse AI applications, including a computer vision powered drawing app that assessed user submissions, demonstrating AI's ability to refine accuracy for specific tasks. Our next speaker, Vishal Nigam from Investilo AI, introduced a framework for Generative AI adoption, guiding businesses on whether to build, customise, or buy AI models based on factors like data security and business needs.
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By combining expert knowledge, real-world case studies, and strategic frameworks, the session equipped businesses with the clarity and confidence needed to take next steps in AI adoption.
Many SMEs remain unaware of the tools and financial support available to facilitate AI adoption. Alongside these financial barriers, skills shortages pose further challenges, limiting the ability of businesses to effectively integrate AI into their operations.
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The AI governance and management webinar set out to tackle the ever evolving ethical challenges revolving around the AI landscape by offering businesses a roadmap for responsible AI implementation.
The session opened with Sherin Mathew, CEO & Founder of AI Tech UK, who compared today's AI boom to a 'gold rush' and a 'race', emphasising that while companies are eager to accelerate, they must apply the necessary 'brakes' of governance to ensure long-term success.
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To bring AI ethcis to life, Rowan Hirst led an interactive session using real-world scenarios. One thought-provoking example explored the US Air Force's use of an AI Pilot in a dogfight, sparking discussions on accountability, safety, and ethical considerations in AI-decision making.
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To further support businesses in navigating compliance, the webinar introduced practical tools, including AI Tech UK's Smart Ethics Framework, designed to help companies integrate AI governance seamlessly into their operations.
For blending ethical discussions with concrete regulatory guidance and actionable resources, this webinar empowered businesses to move beyond AI experimentation, ensuring their AI strategies are not only innovative but also responsible, sustainable, and aligned with global best practices.
Key Takeaways
AI's IMPACT
While many businesses haven't yet felt AI's full impact, technologies like Generative AI and multi-agent systems are set to significantly transform workflows and industries.
CULTURE IS KEY
No matter the strategy or tools, AI transformation fails without cultural alignment. Engaging employees and stakeholders is key to adoption.
AI COLLABS
​Toolkits, events, and collaborative environments help businesses share knowledge, accelerate digital transformation, and unlock the potential of agentic AI systems.
BCS CERTIFIED
Assessing AI readiness is crucial for strategic adoption. BCS certification and tailored support can guide organisations in building effective AI action plans.
Testimonials
“Thank you to the AI Tech UK team for taking us on this journey so far, and I look forward to experiencing what comes next!”
“The sessions struck a great balance between technical detail and strategic oversight, offering practical takeaways for those managing AI within organisations.
"The speakers provided practical advice, and the open discussion format made it engaging and relevant. I left the session with fresh ideas and a clearer understanding"
“The Ask Me Anything - Digital Transformation session was an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in digital innovation."