FAQs

Learning alongside each other rather than from a stage. Students, researchers, educators and people from businesses work on the same real challenges, side by side, so each learns what the others know. Nobody trained for an AI-shaped future, so we learn it together.

Come along to one of our events, or join our community when it opens. We'll keep you posted as new programmes, events and opportunities come up.

A real mix: students, researchers, educators, founders, practitioners and people from businesses of all sizes. We bring different perspectives into the same room on purpose, because that is how everyone learns more.

Both! Some of our events happen in person and others online, depending on the format. We'll always let you know which it is.

Absolutely. You don't need to be a student or researcher. If you're curious about AI and want to explore it in your work, you're very welcome here.

Pretty much anyone who's curious about AI. That includes MSc and PhD students, researchers, student founders, innovation teams and practitioners. If you're exploring AI in your studies, research or work, there's a place for you.

Not at all. Whether you're brand new to AI or already building with it, there's a way to get involved. If a programme does need specific skills, we'll tell you upfront.

Nope, it's completely free for learners.

Yes, definitely. Most of what we do is designed to fit around your studies or job, from one-off events and workshops to longer projects. Each opportunity will tell you how much time it needs.

It depends on what you'd like to do. Many programmes are free to take part in, such as AIIA Business Challenge Dissertations, which is funded by Innovate UK, and our public talks and Crackathon editions. You can also book a Crackathon for your own team, or co-design a programme with us. Have a chat with our team and we'll shape something that works for you.

We'll help you turn your challenge into a clear brief, then share it with the right student or research cohort. From there, we match people based on their skills, interests and fit with your project.

Of course. You can start small with a workshop, panel, hackathon challenge or event, and build up to a longer project if it feels right.

It really depends on the format. A panel or workshop might only take a few hours, while a longer project needs regular check-ins to share context and feedback. We'll agree it all with you upfront, so there are no surprises.

Usually a few months, often in step with the academic calendar. Hackathons and workshops are much shorter, running over a day or a few days.

We agree IP terms for each project and put them in writing before any work starts, so everyone knows where they stand from day one.

Yes, you can. We agree confidentiality before the project begins and can put NDAs in place if needed. We'll also help you shape the brief so students get the context they need, without you having to share more than you're comfortable with.

We'd love to. AI touches every discipline, and some of the most exciting work happens when departments come together. We're happy to work with one team or several.

We take care of programme design, business engagement and delivery. From you, we'll just need a main point of contact and some academic input, especially where a programme links to assessment.

Usually just access to the right student cohort, a point of contact, and a space for in-person sessions if needed. If the programme links to a module, we'll work alongside your academic staff on supervision and assessment.

Yes! We shape every format around your curriculum, learning objectives and priorities, so it can sit comfortably within an existing module or course.

We co-design programmes with your academic staff, so the project work maps neatly onto existing learning outcomes and assessment. For example, AIIA projects run as part of the MSc dissertation and are assessed by the university.

Often, yes. Our AI Innovation Accelerator is funded by Innovate UK, and we're always happy to explore internal or external funding options with you.

We'd love to hear from you. We invite innovation companies to share how they are using AI at the edge of what's next. Tell us a little about your company and what you'd like to talk about through our For Speakers page, and we'll be in touch when there's a talk that fits.

Anything on how AI, especially agentic AI, is changing work, learning, research and industry. We're most interested in real, hands-on experience: what's working, what isn't, and what's shifting.

Think a small group of speakers from different backgrounds, a friendly moderator, and plenty of time for audience questions. It's meant to feel like a real conversation, not a string of presentations.

We'll have a quick briefing call beforehand and send over the topic and key questions in advance.

Speaking is unpaid, but we're happy to cover reasonable travel expenses for in-person events.

Usually not. Our panels are designed as live conversations, which helps everyone speak a bit more openly. The best way to catch them is to come along!

There are lots of ways to get involved with our events, hackathons and workshops. You could support an event, set a challenge, provide tools or credits, or run a hands-on session.

It depends on the event and how you'd like to be involved. Drop us a line and we'll put together a package that suits you.

Either works! You can sponsor a one-off event, or partner with us across a series of events and programmes.

Usually branding on event materials and our website, a shout-out during the event, and the chance to chat directly with participants.

Yes, we'll work with you to design a challenge or session that gives participants something meaningful to build while showing off what your tools can do.

Yes please! It's one of the most helpful ways to support. Credits and API access let participants get properly hands-on with your tools during the event.

Definitely. Our events are a great way to meet emerging talent, and you'll be able to chat with participants throughout. We can also talk about more structured recruiting opportunities as part of your package.

Yes, within reason. People using your tools tend to give honest, useful feedback, and we can set up easy ways to collect it, like a short survey or feedback session.