Aston University & Capgemini launch center of excellence for enterprise AI

Aston University and Capgemini have launched a new center of excellence for enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) to help businesses harness AI technology. 

The center of excellence will leverage world-class AI research and global industry leadership, build on the university’s strengths in innovation and the business and technology consultancy’s experience in transforming organizations.

The center was officially opened on September 25 at Aston’s London campus on Aldersgate Street in front of an audience of senior leaders from the finance, manufacturing and health sectors and key figures from West Midlands and national government.

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Building a collaborative enterprise AI ecosystem

AI is transforming business and society at an unprecedented speed, commented Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University. 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,” Subic said. “We will develop future-ready AI talent through advanced training, executive education programs and targeted upskilling opportunities.”

Organizations are investing heavily in AI tools. The PEX Report 2025/26 found that almost two-thirds (63 percent) of surveyed businesses use generative AI, with 62 percent using standard/traditional AI and 40 percent using AI agents/agentic AI. Almost half (48 percent) of firms are prioritizing AI adoption in the coming year, while nearly three-quarters (70 percent) state that AI is either “critical” or “very important” to their organization’s strategic goals.

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Advancing the UK’s AI economy

“The UK has one of the strongest AI economies, but to we need to work together to nurture talent, develop the skills essential for driving future growth and create favorable conditions for innovators and businesses,” said Steven Webb, UK chief technology and innovation office at Capgemini.

Collaborations between academia, the private sector and government will be the key to solidifying the UK as a global AI superpower, he added. “Capgemini is proud to be spearheading this through the new center of excellence with Aston University, ensuring AI delivers true impact for businesses and their people, both locally and globally.”

AI’s success hinges not only on cutting-edge technology, but on the strength and reliability of the ecosystem that enables it, commented Sudhir Pai, chief technology and innovation officer for Capgemini financial services. “As the gap between AI innovation and industry adoption widens, Capgemini’s collaboration with Aston to establish the global center of excellence for enterprise AI is a pivotal step in scaling AI with a human-centric, enterprise-ready approach.”

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