York innovators connect with industry leaders to tackle real-world problems through AI
Posted on 19 March 2025
Panel discussion at the Liverpool Showcase in January. Photo: Dan Monaghan Photography
On Thursday 3 April the University of York will be hosting the second showcase event of the AI SuperConnector partnership programme at the Guildhall. Organised by the University’s Commercialisation team, the event will see York researchers and entrepreneurs within the field of AI pitching their innovations to investors, policy makers and other interested professionals.
AI solutions
Launched in January 2024, the AI SuperConnector is a partnership programme between Imperial College London and the Universities of York, Leeds and Liverpool. It is made up of a cohort of early career researchers who are working on AI solutions at the four partner universities.
The aim of the programme is to equip the entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and networks to develop robust, ethical and impactful AI ventures. The showcase event is a crucial part of this aim as it will bring together industry professionals and researchers.
James Kitson, Head of Commercialisation, said “We are proud to host the AI SuperConnector Showcase in York, alongside our partners Imperial, Liverpool and Leeds, to highlight examples of the many AI-related spin-out opportunities that have arisen from world-leading research in our Universities.
“This is an exciting opportunity to bring together researchers, industry, investors, and other stakeholders to build strong relationships to help accelerate the development of these important technologies for the wider public good.”
Start-up accelerator
The AI SuperConnector programme is based on the successes of the MedTech SuperConnector programme, launched by Imperial College London, which helped 95 early career researchers produce 14 spinout companies that raised over £19m in grant funding and created more than 30 jobs in the first five years.
The curriculum is challenge-based with a focus on producing AI solutions within fields such as health care, law and engineering. The cohort is also trained in data management, business modelling and finding fundraising pathways.
As a key partner and a leader in AI solutions, University of York has produced several talented entrepreneurs which are now part of cohort two showcasing their innovations that will be able to improve processes in, for example, manufacturing systems, film and tv production and electric motor design.
Showcase event
The showcase event will start with a keynote speech by Professor Sarah Thompson, York’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, followed by a panel discussion and a series of AI innovation-pitches from the programme cohort. The event finishes with networking opportunities.
The event is open to all and provides a unique chance to learn from the brightest minds in AI research and discover the latest ideas in how artificial intelligence can help tackle real-world problems.
Attendees will also get the chance to tap into an expert network of industry connections, facilitated by strategic corporate partnerships.
To learn more and register for the event, please visit AI SuperConnector Showcase- Cohort Two.
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