TechWorks unveils AI community for UK deep tech sectors
TechWorks has announced the establishment of TechWorks-AI, a new community focusing on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) innovation across the UK's deep tech sectors.
The launch event took place at the historically significant Bletchley Park, with the event's theme centred around "Engineering Trustworthy AI: From Concept to Reality". The community is backed by founding members that encompass academia, industry, and standards development, including the British Standards Institution (BSI), Cadence, Copper Horse, Embecosm, Forti5, NquiringMinds, the Manufacturing Technology Centre, the University of Bristol, and the University of Oxford.
TechWorks-AI has been in development for almost a year and is designed to serve as an engineering hub for collaboration and sharing best practices across various AI applications. These include autonomous platforms, robotics, and semiconductor design, as well as areas like energy efficiency and neuromorphics.
Gareth Richards, Network Manager at TechWorks-AI, said, "Having our expert founding partners on board is critical to shaping a robust AI ecosystem in the UK. TechWorks-AI is set to be the platform for engineering innovation, bringing together experts from across industry and academia to drive AI adoption, trustworthiness, and real-world impact."
Max Greenwood, AI Governance Policy Advisor at the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology, expressed optimism about ongoing collaborations, stating, "It was a pleasure to speak at TechWorks-AI recent event and meet a highly engaged group of trustworthy AI experts. I look forward to continuing the conversation between DSIT and the TechWorks-AI community."
The thematic focuses of TechWorks-AI include thought leadership, collaboration, knowledge sharing, standards and policy, and professional development. These are aimed at driving AI strategies, creating collaborations among various stakeholders, sharing best practices, shaping AI governance, and supporting skills development.
John Moor, COO of TechWorks, remarked, "We're delighted to announce the official launch of TechWorks AI, the newest TechWorks 'connected community', addressing the critical need to foster UK capabilities. The launch marks a pivotal step in advancing our starting goal of engineering trustworthy AI, which is perfectly aligned to the UK's AI vision for security and growth. TechWorks is uniquely positioned to do this as it draws on decades of expertise in building successful grass-roots innovation and technology networks."
"This community, in concert with its TechWorks siblings, will further strengthen our innovation system of industry, academics, entrepreneurs, funders and luminaries, and together, we will drive the advancement of AI technologies. We now invite all AI professionals to join us and help shape a future where AI can be deployed with integrity, delivering welcome benefits to business, society and the economy."
Several founding members commented on their roles within TechWorks-AI. Professor Andrew Martin from the University of Oxford highlighted the importance of tackling AI challenges in cybersecurity. Sheron Shamuilia from Cadence pointed out the transformative effect AI has in the electronic design automation landscape. Professor Kerstin Eder from the University of Bristol stressed the importance of industry-academia collaboration. Dr. Ivan Serwano from the BSI emphasized the commitment to shaping AI standards.
David Rogers MBE of Copper Horse expressed delight in joining the initiative, citing opportunities for UK AI innovation. Dr. Nick Allott from NquiringMinds noted the need for a collaborative body for UK's deep-tech community in addressing AI challenges. Professor Muthu Ramachandran from Forti5 acknowledged the focus on ethical AI collaborations. Jeremy Bennett from Embecosm regarded it as a chance for the electronic systems industry. Dr. Yazan Qarout from the Manufacturing Technology Centre looked forward to fostering AI adoption in manufacturing.
