Aston University and Capgemini have launched a new Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI to help businesses harness AI to their advantage. The collaboration will build on the University’s strengths in innovation, and the business and technology consultancy’s experience in transforming organisations. Launched through a collaboration between Aston University and Capgemini, the Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI leverages world-class academic research and global industry leadership.
The centre was officially opened on Thursday 25th September at Aston’s London campus on Aldersgate Street, near St Paul’s, in front of an audience of senior leaders from the finance, manufacturing and health sectors and key figures from West Midlands and national government.
The opening talks were given by the centre’s co-chairs, Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, and Sudhir Pai, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for Financial Services, Capgemini.
Professor Subic said: “Artificial intelligence is transforming business and society at an unprecedented speed. For enterprises, it is critical that they harness the power of AI and generative AI to remain competitive and to drive future growth.
“Our vision is to build a collaborative AI ecosystem to bring together businesses, researchers and policymakers. To collaborate on creating and deploying responsible AI solutions that benefit both enterprise and society. We will develop future-ready AI talent through advanced training, executive education programmes and targeted upskilling opportunities.
“Finally, to accelerate enterprise AI impact to enhance productivity, gain competitive advantage and achieve measurable business outcomes, accelerating industry transformation.”
Capgemini research ‘Navigating Uncertainty with confidence’
A Capgemini Research Institute report, “Navigating uncertainty with confidence: Investment priorities for 2025″ found the commitment to invest is clear. 74% of business leaders ranking AI and Generative AI among their top three technology investment priorities for 2025. However, successfully navigating the transformation and realising tangible value remains a significant hurdle for many organisations.”
Steven Webb, UK Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Capgemini, said: “The UK has one of the strongest AI economies. However, we need to work together to nurture talent, develop the skills essential for driving future growth, and create favourable conditions for innovators and businesses. Collaborations between academia, the private sector and government will be the key to solidifying the UK as an AI superpower.
“Capgemini is proud to be spearheading this through the new Centre of Excellence with Aston University. This will ensure AI delivers true impact for businesses and their people, both locally and globally.”
Sudhir Pai, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for Capgemini Financial Services, said: “AI’s success hinges not only on cutting-edge technology. But on the strength and reliability of the ecosystem that enables it. As the gap between AI innovation and industry adoption widens, Capgemini’s collaboration with Aston to establish the global Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI is a pivotal step in scaling AI with a human-centric, enterprise-ready approach.”
Aston University has welcomed its first cohort of students and offers degree programmes that teach skills in innovation and enterprise, digital innovation, data science and artificial intelligence, cyber security management, global business and management and business analytics.
Enterprise Times: What this means for business
AI holds significant potential for organisations eager to innovate and stay ahead in their respective industries. However, unlocking this promise is not merely a matter of keeping up with research breakthroughs. It involves bridging the divide between theoretical advancements and their effective, practical use within businesses.
The collaboration between Aston University and Capgemini looks impressive. It is not the first collaboration of this nature. It offers partnership opportunities tailored to suit a wide spectrum of organisations seeking to leverage the power of enterprise AI for competitive advantage. Its approach is designed to support businesses at every stage of their growth journey. Hopefully, this will ensure they can translate AI’s potential into measurable business outcomes.
The centre of excellence extends to businesses of all sizes, from pioneering start-up, a scaling enterprise, or an established corporation. The centre will need to engage with organisations across various industries. These include, but are not limited to, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Hopefully, its model will ensure each partner receives targeted support, regardless of sector or scale. This will be needed to drive meaningful business transformation through AI.
