Post by Karen O’Brien

Exciting announcement at London Tech Week this week from Durham University and Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK and Ireland. We are partnering with Microsoft to create an AI Skills Centre of Excellence, a first-of-its-kind hub opening this October to support students, staff, employers and workers across the region. The Centre will focus is not just on technology, but on people, supporting them to develop skills and engage with AI in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and relevant to their employment and lives. The partnership builds on our wider role in supporting the North East AI Growth Zone, working in partnership with organisations including Durham County Council and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, to strengthen skills, opportunity, and growth across the region.