AI-Assisted Innovation for SME

Manufacturing, Robotics, Autonomous Systems & Sustainability Sectors

2-3 February
Design Factory, Aston University, Birmingham

Workshop Overview

This practical, in-person workshop supports SMEs from manufacturing, robotics, autonomous systems and sustainability sectors to move from AI curiosity to real, implementable adoption.

Delivered as part of the Cross-sector AI-Assisted Innovation for SMEs in the West Midlands programme, the workshop focuses on how AI can be applied in day-to-day operations and technology development, using real examples from industry and applied research.
The programme combines short expert talks, case studies and interactive sessions to help SMEs:

· Understand where AI can add value in their sector,
· Explore practical use cases,
· Co-develop a clear AI adoption roadmap tailored to their business.

Each participating SME will leave with a draft, actionable AI adoption roadmap and a clear view of next steps, including opportunities for technical support, innovation micro-sprints and follow-on funding.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

FREE to attend. Places are LIMITED!!

Agenda

2 February:

9:00 – 9:45 Registration and Welcome Coffee
9:45 – 10:15 Nataliia Manuilovich, Aston University, "Making AI work for SMEs: from curiosity to confident action"
10:15 – 11:15 Emma Tronson, Aston University, "Getting the Best from Your Team and ChatGPT: Practical AI for SMEs"
11:15 – 11:25 Aaisha Yasir, Aston University "AI in Design"
11:25 – 11:35 Anusha Kumar, Aston University "Understanding Business Data with AI"
11:35 – 11:45 Srinivas Santhanathan, Aston University "Understanding Business Data with AI Part 2"
11:45 – 12:00 Richard Fallon "How to Make the Most of Grants, Innovation Support and the Opportunities Available"
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 13:20 Egor Manuylovich, Aston University. "Coding with AI: Opportunities and Pitfalls"
13:20 – 13:50 Alireza Rastegarpanah, Aston University, "Robotics and AI for Hazardous Industrial Environments and Sustainable Manufacturing"
13:50 – 14:20 Muftooh Siddiqi, Aston University, "AI for Manufacturing"
14:20 – 14:45 Coffee Break
14:45 – 15:25 Manimuthu Arunmozhi, Aston University, "From Buzzword to Breakthrough: Safe and Strategic AI Adoption Path for SMEs"
15:25 – 15:30 Gosia Dzierdzikowska, Aston University, "Introducing Cyber Clinic"
15:30 – 15:55 Jonathan Booth, STFC Hartree Centre, "AI Applied to Industrial Problems"
15:55 – 16:00 Abbie Turner, STFC Hartree Centre, "Business Development support available at Hartree Centre"
16:00 – 16:15, Steven Daniels, Aston University. "Driving Innovation Through Industry–University Collaboration"
16:15 – 16:30 Wrap up
16:30 – 18:00 Networking Reception

3 February

10:00 – 12:00 AI Adoption Roadmapping activity
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 15:00 AI Adoption Roadmapping activity (continues, optional)

Guest Speakers

Speaker 1

Natalia Manuilovich

Aston University

Manager of the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing and a co-lead of the AI-Innovation for SMEs programme.

Speaker 2

Jonathan Booth

STFC Hartree Centre

Senior AI Researcher at the Hartree Centre

Speaker 3

Alireza Rastegarpanah

Aston University

Assistant Professor in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Co-Founder of the Extreme Robotics Lab at the University of Birmingham

Speaker 4

Aaisha Yasir

Aston University

Medical Prototyping Technician at Design Factory Birmingham

Speaker 5

Anusha Kumar

Aston University

Software Developer at Design Factory Birmingham

Speaker 6

Srinivas Santhanathan

Aston University

Software Developer at Design Factory Birmingham

Speaker 7

Emma Tronson

Aston University

Deputy Director Marketing and Recruitment

Speaker 8

Muftooh Siddiqi

Aston University

Senior Lecturer

Speaker 9

Manimuthu Arunmozhi

Aston University

Lecturer In Cyber Security And Business Analytics

Speaker 10

Richard Fallon

Technology Supply Chain

Director

Speaker 11

Egor Manuylovich

Aston University

Senior Research Fellow

Speaker 12

Gosia Dzierdzikowska

Aston University

Cyber Security Innovation Centre Manager

Speaker 13

Abbie Turner

STFC, Hartree Centre

Business Development Executive

Speaker 14

Steven Daniels

Aston University

Senior Business Development Manager

Contact

Register Your Interest

Tell us about your business and what you'd like support with.

Email
n.manuilovich@aston.ac.uk
Location
Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET
What would you like support with?
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