We are thrilled to share that Hull College has been named the winner of the prestigious Innovation Award at the HullBID Awards, which was held on Friday 17th February.

This recognition highlights the incredible work our college has done through the AI Academy - an initiative that showcases the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

The AI Academy was born out of a shared vision to equip businesses, educators, and students with the tools they need to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of AI. It has been a journey of action, with key milestones marking its success. Through 49 dynamic workshops that blended in-person and virtual learning, the AI Academy has reached thousands of individuals, paving the way for enhanced productivity, decision-making, and resilience in both local and international contexts.

One of the defining features of the AI Academy’s success is the strong collaboration between Hull College and a range of key stakeholders, including Hull BID, local SMEs, regional councils, and Further Education (FE) partners. This partnership has created an ecosystem where innovation can thrive and has allowed us to expand the Academy’s reach far beyond Hull.

From the original workshops in Hull, the AI Academy has now grown to include 45 UK education providers, two local authorities, and 16 colleges in South Africa. This expansion is a testament to the scalability and relevance of the Academy’s offerings - proving that innovation knows no boundaries.

The outcomes of the AI Academy speak for themselves:

• 2,000+ individuals trained, including business leaders, educators, and students, who now have a solid foundation in AI.
• 150+ local businesses have been empowered to adopt AI tools, resulting in increased productivity, enhanced decision-making, and greater competitiveness in the face of automation.
• Teachers have saved 100+ hours annually, significantly reducing workloads and leading to a higher student satisfaction rate of 96%.
• Students have gained AI literacy, equipping them with skills that are transforming their employment prospects and opening doors to new career opportunities.

Looking to the Future

Winning the Innovation Award is not just a celebration of what we’ve accomplished so far - it’s a stepping stone to even greater things. The AI Academy is proving that innovation is at the heart of what we do at Hull College, and we are committed to continuing our mission of supporting our community, our businesses, and our students in the evolving world of technology.

We would like to thank HullBID, our partners, and everyone involved in the AI Academy’s journey for their continued support. Here’s to more groundbreaking innovation in the future!

‍