Devon AI Summit brings businesses together to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence

The University of Exeter welcomed 120 attendees to a sold-out Devon AI Summit at Sandy Park on 5 November, bringing together businesses, researchers and industry experts to explore the opportunities and challenges of adopting artificial intelligence (AI).

Delivered in partnership with Devon County Council, the summit supported the shared ambitions of the Devon County Civic University Agreement, which brings the University and Council together to help Devon become a thriving, sustainable and prosperous place to live and work.

With innovation and skills for a sustainable future among the agreement’s key priorities, the summit provided an opportunity to connect Devon’s business community with expertise, practical guidance and new approaches to AI adoption.

Professor Alex Gerbasi opened the event, followed by Professor Ed Keedwell, who introduced the ways businesses can work with the University of Exeter to explore and develop AI solutions.

Professor Shiqiang Wang explored the possibilities of agentic AI, challenging delegates to consider how far AI could take on tasks independently. Anneline Sibanda and colleagues from Amazon Web Services (AWS) then discussed the importance of building trustworthy AI solutions, highlighting that successful adoption requires more than technology alone.

Phil Adams from Devon County Council introduced Amy Ralston (Stephens Scown), Jake Whitford (Magnetic AI) and Alex Kerans (Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust), who shared their organisations’ experiences of adopting and embedding AI, including practical applications and lessons learned.

In the afternoon, delegates took part in interactive workshops led by Dan Isaac (University of Exeter), AWS, Matt Greaves (South West AI Solutions) and Tia Collard (fiftyminds). Sessions covered data literacy, building AI agents, AI governance and the key considerations for businesses looking to adopt AI.

Reflecting on the event, Jake Whitford from Magnetic AI commented: “Thanks for inviting me to talk, it was an impressive event with so much for small businesses to absorb and learn from.”

The University would like to thank Devon County Council for its partnership and sponsorship, One Voice Media for its support, and all speakers, workshop leaders and attendees who contributed to the summit.