AI Innovation: Transforming Businesses in Yorkshire, Humber & Beyond Event
The Yorkshire & Humber AI Summit
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the Aura Innovation Centre at Bridge Head Business Park in Hull played host to the highly anticipated Yorkshire & Humber AI Summit: SMEs & Beyond, Funded by the Humber Innovation Support Programme (HISP). Think Cloud organised the event in collaboration with the help of The Business Culture Yorkshire & Humber, and was supported by Lampda and Hull University School of Computer Science.
The full-day knowledge transfer event aimed to inspire and educate attendees through a comprehensive program of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking.
Attended by over 100 delegates, the event was a resounding success, bringing together tech enthusiasts, business innovators, and community leaders to explore the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications across various business functions.
Highlights of the AI Summit
The summit featured an array of inspiring keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and interactive workshops. Attendees valued the chance to connect with peers in their field and the the event successfully covered a wide range of AI-related topics.
Here are some of the standout moments:
Inspiring Keynotes
The summit kicked off with a series of compelling keynote speeches from industry leaders:
Andy Parkinson (CEO of Lampada): Andy Parkinson shared his visionary perspective on AI's potential to reshape business operations. He provided insights into current AI applications driving efficiencies and innovation and emphasised AI's importance in future business landscapes.
Leon McQuade (Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer of Think Cloud): Leon addressed the audience with his keynote, "Luddites to Neo-Luddites: Fear, Progress, and the Coming Digital Wave." He then conducted a live demo of his AI-powered personal agents, showcasing how AI is revolutionising our lives, work, and play.
Dr Rameez Kureshi (Lecturer and Programme Director for the Hull online MSc in Artificial Intelligence): Dr Kureshi shared his expertise in AI, Data Science, Edge Computing, Cyber Security, and IoT. He discussed his involvement in projects like "Smart Cities and Open Data REuse (SCORE)" and "LifeCritical," which focus on AI healthcare solutions and enhancing urban environments.
Dr Koorosh Aslansefat (Assistant Professor at the University of Hull's Responsible AI Group): Dr Aslansefat's research focuses on safe, explainable, and reliable AI. He shared his award-winning work on wind farm maintenance and SafeML research, directly influencing industry standards for Machine Learning Uncertainty Quantification.
Morten Kjaersgaard (Founder and Chairman of Heimdal): Morten discussed the success of Heimdal, an industry-leading unified and AI-powered cybersecurity solutions provider. He highlighted how Heimdal has prevented over 260 million cyber-attacks, protecting a global customer base of over 15,000 businesses.
Deborah Millar (Executive Director of Digital Transformation at Hull College): With over thirty years of experience in education, Deb shared her insights into integrating digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning environments. Her work, which has earned multiple awards, demonstrates how technology and AI can empower educators and learners in the digital age.
Showcase of Regional and Global Innovations
Delegates discovered the latest AI breakthroughs from the region and worldwide. The showcase highlighted how innovative AI solutions are being developed and implemented, providing valuable insights into the future of technology.
Networking Opportunities
One key benefit of the summit was the networking opportunities. Delegates had the chance to forge valuable connections with like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the AI community.
A standout feature of the summit was its unparalleled networking opportunities. Delegates were immersed in a dynamic environment rich with potential, where they engaged with a diverse range of professionals from the AI community. These interactions went beyond casual introductions, fostering meaningful connections that have the potential to evolve into strong collaborations, driving innovation and progress in the region.
As participants mingled and exchanged ideas, they became part of an invaluable knowledge-sharing ecosystem. Conversations buzzed with insights and expertise, offering attendees the chance to deepen their understanding of the latest AI trends and breakthroughs. This dynamic exchange not only enhanced individual knowledge but also ignited collective innovation, fostering a collaborative spirit poised to influence future projects and initiatives.
The summit acted as a catalyst for cultivating a vibrant community where professionals could both inspire and learn from one another, ultimately reinforcing AI is changing how we live, work and play. In the summit's dynamic atmosphere, these connections flourished, underscoring the profound impact that such interactions can have on driving both personal and professional growth within the ever-evolving AI landscape.
Humber Innovation Support Programme
Attendees learned about the Humber Innovation Support Programme (HISP) and how it can fuel innovation through funding and support. HISP, part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), is central to the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda. It provides businesses with access to world-class academic support, state-of-the-art innovation testing equipment, and bespoke innovation project planning.
The Power of Collaboration
The Yorkshire & Humber AI Summit underscored the tremendous power of collaboration when business, academia and industry come together. Through a collective approach, diverse entities can harness their unique strengths and resources, catalysing innovation and driving significant technological advancements. This collaborative ethos enables businesses to tap into a wider pool of knowledge, fostering an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged and solutions co-created.
Moreover, these partnerships play a crucial role in accelerating the development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring that innovations are not only cutting-edge but also practical and beneficial for the wider community.
By working together, stakeholders can navigate the complexities of AI integration more effectively, creating a robust network that supports sustainable growth and competitive advantage in the global market. The summit demonstrated that when united by a common vision, a community's collective energy and shared expertise can lead to groundbreaking achievements, propelling the region to the forefront of AI excellence.
Highlights of the AI Summit
Conclusion
The Yorkshire & Humber AI Summit was a landmark event that showcased AI's incredible potential to transform business operations and drive innovation. The summit provided delegates with the tools and knowledge to harness AI's power in their organisations.
Key findings include:
● Top AI Applications: Customer service, marketing, and lead generation are the most promising areas for AI implementation.
● Benefits: Increased efficiency, productivity, and improved decision-making are the most anticipated benefits.
● Challenges: Lack of technical expertise, cost, and employee resistance are the primary barriers to adoption.
● Needs: Businesses seek further education, practical guidance, and support in implementing AI.
AI Fears
The feedback from the event also shows that people have a number of fears about AI, including:
● Job Automation: Many attendees expressed concerns about AI leading to job losses andautomation replacing human workers. This fear was particularly prominent amongindividuals in industries that are more susceptible to automation.
● Falling Behind Competitors: Another significant fear was the possibility of being left behind if competitors adopt AI more effectively. This concern highlights the pressure businesses feel to keep pace with technological advancements.
● Ethical Concerns: While not the most common fear, some attendees expressed concerns about the ethical implications of AI, including issues related to privacy, bias, and potential misuse of the technology.
● Implementation Challenges: Several attendees expressed fears related to the challenges of implementing AI, such as the cost, lack of technical expertise, and potential resistance from team members.
● Security Risks: A few attendees mentioned cybersecurity as a concern, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities that could arise with increased reliance on AI technologies.
These fears underscore the need for education, support, and clear guidance to help businesses navigate the complexities of AI adoption and address potential risks.
Delegates Biggest Challenges Implementing AI
The biggest challenges in implementing AI, according to the feedback, include:
● Lack of technical ability: This was the most frequently cited challenge. Many attendees expressed concerns about having the necessary skills and knowledge to implement AI effectively.
● Cost of implementation: Cost was another major concern for businesses. AI implementation can involve significant expenses, including software, hardware, and personnel costs.
● Team member attitudes towards change: Resistance to change from team members was identified as a potential obstacle. Some employees may be hesitant to adopt new technologies or processes, which could hinder successful AI implementation.
● Keeping up with developments and applying the right solution: The rapidly evolving nature of AI technology can make it difficult for businesses to stay up-to-date and choose the most appropriate solutions for their needs.
● Not knowing where to go or how to implement it into my business: A lack of clear guidance and direction on how to get started with AI implementation was a common challenge expressed by attendees.
Overall, the feedback highlights the need for education, training, and support to help businesses overcome these challenges and successfully implement AI. It is crucial for businesses to develop a clear understanding of their specific goals and needs, as well as the capabilities and limitations of AI technology. This will allow them to make informed decisions and choose the right solutions that align with their objectives.
In conclusion, AI innovation is rapidly changing the landscape of industries and businesses. It is important for individuals and organisations to stay updated with the latest developments in this field. At Think Cloud, we are committed to providing resources and information on AI innovation through our website and other platforms.
Those who missed the event or want to learn about AI Innovation can visit Think Cloud's website.
Ready to transform your business with AI? Join the conversation and be part of the AI revolution today!
Gratitude for Capturing Our Event: A Thank You to Sam at Blink Video and Kevin Greene Photogrphy
At our recent event, we were fortunate to have two outstanding professionals, Sam at Blink Video and Kevin Greene, who brought the day to life through their exceptional photography and videography. Their commitment made sure every important moment was captured with both creativity and care.
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