Conference spotlights region’s AI potential

An education and technology conference in Newcastle has brought together industry and civic leaders to accelerate the region’s push to become a national force in artificial intelligence (AI) and future skills.

Newcastle College University Centre hosted the two-day Generation North East event, focused on building tomorrow’s AI workforce and supporting growth within the newly designated North East AI Growth Zone. 

Business leaders, educators and policymakers gathered to explore how AI can drive productivity, transform industries and reshape education.

The programme featured keynote speeches, panel discussions and masterclasses examining AI adoption, workforce pipelines and the technical capabilities needed to sustain long-term economic growth. 

Speakers included representatives from Avanade, NVIDIA, Lenovo, Sage, HM Treasury and Newcastle City Council, alongside Dame Chi Onwurah MP and leaders from NCG, the national college group of which Newcastle College is part.

Case studies from regional firms such as Opencast and Sage showcased practical AI deployment, while sessions addressed digital strategy, cybersecurity risks, immersive technology and scalable business adoption.

Lisa Ewens, senior vice president of small businesses and accountants at Sage, delivered a case study on day one of the event, talking about how AI can transform local businesses.  

She said: “It’s been fantastic to showcase how AI can help businesses become more efficient and effective, while highlighting the incredible innovation we’re seeing across the North East. 

“Sage has more than 2000 colleagues in Newcastle, including 500 engineers who are pioneering the use of AI.  

“Events like this play a vital role in developing emerging talent, and every year we bring in graduates, interns and apprentices who are ready to help us think differently. 

“Keeping people at the heart of technology is essential, and it’s inspiring to see so many organisations coming together to explore how AI can elevate – not replace – the work people do.” 

Dame Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, added: “AI is something which impacts every sector of our economy, but also of our society - it impacts childhood, education, work and workers’ rights. 

“Unless we bring people together across industries, politics and skills, we won’t be able to shape AI for the public good. 

“Newcastle College has a reach into so many communities, and it’s essential that young people from all backgrounds are part of the AI revolution - and that AI is shaped in their interests.”

Headline sponsors Lenovo and NVIDIA were joined by regional partners including Enigma, Hedgehog Lab, HTG and Sage, underlining the importance of industry partnership in shaping the region’s AI vision.

The conference concluded with a clear message: the North East has the talent, capability and ambition to lead in AI-driven growth, with Newcastle College positioned at the heart of developing the region’s future workforce.

Jon Ridley, principal of Newcastle College and Newcastle College University Centre, added: “This conference has demonstrated the power of bringing education, industry, and civic partners together with a shared commitment to shaping the region’s future workforce.  

“Newcastle College University Centre students graduate work ready. 

“They hone their skills with emerging technologies, working with business on live briefs experiencing the expectations of the workplace.

“We encourage students to challenge the boundaries of their skills and knowledge, developing courage to innovate and confidence to thrive in an AI-enabled economy. 

“At Newcastle College University Centre, we champion innovation and create opportunities that drive growth, inclusion and long-term prosperity for our region.”

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