Aston University's New Center Focuses on AI for Societal Good
By Anushka Malhotra
1 minute 45 seconds
Tech

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Quick Read: Aston University establishes the Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (ACAIRA) to harness AI for societal advancement, collaborating with stakeholders to develop ethical solutions.
Aston University has taken a significant stride in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) with the launch of the Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (ACAIRA). This new centre is dedicated to harnessing the power of AI to enhance people's lives and address societal challenges.
The official opening of ACAIRA marks a pivotal moment for AI research and application in the West Midlands. Led by Director Professor Anikó Ekárt, the centre aims to become a regional hub for the development and implementation of AI solutions that prioritise societal benefit.
"In light of concerns surrounding the negative implications of AI, it's imperative to establish centres like ACAIRA that are committed to fostering trustworthy, ethical, and sustainable AI,"
Professor Ekárt explains.
"Our goal is to co-design AI solutions in collaboration with stakeholders from academia, industry, and the public sector, ensuring that they serve the best interests of society."
ACAIRA's mission extends beyond research to actively engage with organisations and communities. By partnering with local, national, and international institutions, the centre seeks to expand Aston University's influence in AI research and application while providing valuable opportunities for students to develop skills in AI.
Dr. Ulysses Bernardet, Deputy Director of ACAIRA, emphasises the centre's commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges through AI-driven projects. One such collaboration involves working with Legrand Care to improve independent living conditions for older individuals by analyzing data from home sensors to detect signs of decline in wellbeing.
In addition to healthcare initiatives, ACAIRA is involved in projects aimed at reducing environmental impact. A partnership with engineering firm Lanemark explores sustainable fuel mixes to minimise the carbon footprint of industrial processes.
The centre's diverse portfolio also includes endeavours to enhance efficiency and productivity in sectors such as social housing repairs and transportation planning. For example, a collaboration with Thames Laboratories aims to streamline asbestos management practices, leading to cost savings and improved resident satisfaction.
The official launch of ACAIRA, held on Aston University's campus, featured discussions on the future of AI in the West Midlands. Dr. Chris Meah, Chair of the West Midlands AI and Future Tech Forum, emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and the public in advancing AI technologies for societal good.
With ongoing research in areas like traffic management, bioinformatics, and virtual humans, ACAIRA is poised to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to the West Midlands' AI ecosystem. Through its partnerships and engagement initiatives, the centre aims to realise the full potential of AI in addressing today's most pressing challenges.
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Greater Things Secures Seed Funding to Scale Support for Idea-Stage Founders Across the UK

Greater Things, the organisation behind one of the UK’s most inclusive early-stage founder support models, has secured seed funding from a group of strategic business angels. This raise marks a significant milestone in their journey to empower non-technical, idea-stage tech founders and scale their impact nationally.
Since launching, Greater Things has focused on removing traditional barriers to entry in tech entrepreneurship. Their programmes combine pre-seed capital, structured guidance, and AI/no-code-powered MVP development, enabling founders to build and launch ventures without requiring a technical co-founder.
Over the past three years, Greater Things has delivered high-impact support to more than 55 founders, working in partnership with regional authorities and universities across the West Midlands. Their efforts have been backed by organisations such as the West Midlands Combined Authority, Birmingham City University, and SuperTech WM, laying a strong foundation for scalable, inclusive innovation.
Jof Walters, Founder & CEO Greater Things said:
With 75% of Seeds Programme founders still active, the data speaks for itself: this partnership works.
Hilary Smyth-Allen, CEO, SuperTech WM said:
We’re proud to be recognised as one of the most inclusive and effective early-stage investors in the UK—and we’re just getting started.
This seed investment will allow Greater Things to accelerate the pace and reach of their investment programmes, with plans to expand operations across the UK. The focus remains on founders at the earliest stage — those with promising ideas but limited access to capital or technical teams — offering them a structured path from concept to product.
By Anushka Malhotra
29 May
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