Digital Catapult is holding a series of AI innovation workshops between October 2023 and January 2024. The workshops are designed to empower AI developers and adopters within the agriculture, creative, transport and construction sectors.
The AI innovation workshops will encourage collaboration, explore responsible innovation, dive into data excellence, and uncover investment opportunities for AI-driven start-ups. There are four workshops in the series, each focusing on a different element of AI innovation.
What is Digital Catapult?
Digital Catapult is a UK authority on advanced digital technology. It is dedicated to accelerating industry adoption and driving growth and opportunity across the economy. It is part of the Catapult Network, a network of leading technology and innovation centres established by Innovate UK.
Its goal is to accelerate new possibilities for businesses. To achieve this it aims to break down barriers, open up markets and responsibly shape the products and services of the future.
Workshop 1
Cultivating synergy: strategies for effective AI startup – industry partnerships
When: Friday 20 October or Wednesday 29 November, 9.30am – 4pm
Where: Digital Catapult Offices, London
About the event
This workshop looks at partnership value and co-creation, addressing barriers that hinder collaboration. The aim is to help bridge AI capabilities and industry needs. There will be interactive activities offering insights into sustainable growth through partnerships.
Attendees can explore how startups’ innovations meet industry players’ demands, shedding light on AI’s dynamic interplay between supply and demand.
Who should attend?
- AI Developers: Startups, micro and small enterprises with AI-relevant products or services. Those seeking to enhance their understanding of collaboration with industry end users and interested in establishing potential new partnerships
- AI Adopters: Medium and large organisations (industry end users) looking to integrate AI solutions into their operations, collaborate with startups, micro and small enterprises, and explore innovative solutions and partnerships to enhance the company’s offerings.
What you’ll gain
- Leverage industry expertise while connecting with agile partners to spark innovative collaborations.
- Explore a variety of partnership models aligned with your growth objectives, ensuring the perfect fit for your strategy.
- Acquire practical strategies for overcoming technical and business challenges, from regulatory compliance to scalability.
Workshop 2
Minimum viable ethics: An introduction to responsible innovation
When: Wednesday 4 October or Tuesday 16 January, 1pm – 3.30pm
Where: Digital Catapult Offices, London
About the event
This two hour workshop will explore the risks associated with AI. It will uncover responsible innovation solutions through creative and hands-on exercises.
The aim is to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools to make strides in maximising the benefits of socio-technical systems. It will provide an opportunity to grasp the fundamentals of AI risks and responsible innovation in a creative and interactive environment.
Who should attend
- AI Developers: Startups, micro and small enterprises with AI-relevant products or services. Those seeking to enhance their understanding of collaboration with industry end users and interested in establishing potential new partnerships
- AI Adopters: Medium and large organisations (industry end users) looking to integrate AI solutions into their operations, collaborate with startups, micro and small enterprises, and explore innovative solutions and partnerships to enhance the company’s offerings.
What you’ll gain
- Grasp the significance of responsible innovation in today’s fast-paced digital landscape
- Develop the ability to systematically identify and address the pertinent risks associated with responsible innovation
- Ensure your projects are both ethically sound and effective
- Acquire an introduction to the world of Responsible Innovation interventions and solutions – equipping yourself with actionable knowledge that can positively impact your AI-driven initiatives.
Workshop 3
Digital transformation: Data excellence and data ethics
When: Wednesday 4 October or Tuesday 16 January, 9am – 12.30pm
Where: Digital Catapult Offices, London
About the event
This workshop focuses on digital transformation, data maturity and readiness. It looks at how to adopt AI in the right way.
The session will explore the potential of AI, its advantages, and the hurdles faced in its adoption. It will answer questions such as:
- What is digital transformation?
- Why do most AI projects fail?
- What are the right steps towards AI adoption?
The session will include interactive discussions and activities. It will explore how data-driven technologies can augment products or services and identify the data readiness and maturity levels needed to achieve data excellence.
Who should attend?
- AI Developers: Startups, micro and small enterprises with AI-relevant products or services. Those seeking to enhance their understanding of collaboration with industry end users and interested in establishing potential new partnerships
- AI Adopters: Medium and large organisations (industry end users) looking to integrate AI solutions into their operations, collaborate with startups, micro and small enterprises, and explore innovative solutions and partnerships to enhance the company’s offerings.
What you’ll gain
- Immerse yourself in an engaging and practical workshop environment that encourages active participation, making the learning experience dynamic and enjoyable
- Acquire access to a comprehensive approach for successful AI adoption that spans across digital transformation, data excellence and ethical considerations
- Join a vibrant community of fellow AI adopters and developers. Foster networking opportunities and connections that extend beyond the workshop to enrich your professional journey.
Workshop 4
Fundraising for AI driven startups
When: Thursday 26 October or Tuesday 21 November, 2pm – 5pm
Where: Digital Catapult Offices, London
About the event
This workshop will explore the fundraising landscape for AI-driven companies. It will cover relevant funding opportunities in the UK and beyond, as well as looking at key considerations to weigh up when selecting the best investment option for your business.
The aim of this workshop is to provide businesses with the tools to confidently approach fundraising activities. It will provide top tips for approaching a fundraising process and pitfalls to avoid.
Who should attend?
This workshop welcomes participation from early stage AI-driven SMEs, founders and startup operators within the agriculture, creative, transport and construction sectors who are thinking about selecting the right funding growth engine for their business.
What you’ll gain
- Develop the skills and knowledge needed to confidently approach fundraising activities
- Gain a clear understanding of which funding route aligns best with your company’s goals
- Gain valuable insights into the investment landscape and dynamics of the AI market
- Explore the pros and cons of various investment routes. Gain the knowledge to weigh the benefits and drawbacks which enable you to make strategic choices that best suit your business growth aspirations.
