Student funding to create generation of AI pioneers
A new scholarship aimed at developing the next generation of artificial intelligence "pioneers" will open to applicants in spring 2026.
The Sparck AI scholarships, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Sparck Jones, will give master's degree university students access to industry-leading firms as the Government looks to boost the UK's AI credentials.
The University of Bristol will be one of nine universities to offer the fully-funded Government scholarship, alongside faculties in Newcastle, Manchester and Edinburgh.
The university said they "relish the opportunity," with the grant covering both students tuition and living costs.
More news stories for Bristol
Watch the latest Points West
Listen to the latest news for Bristol
The scheme has been developed in line with the Government's 'AI Opportunities Action Plan', with more than £17m of funding from Westminster.
Alongside masters places, 100 scholars will receive placements in leading AI companies, as well as mentorship from industry experts.
In 2024, Bristol was named 'AI University of the Year' and has developed the Isambard-AI computer - the most powerful of its kind in the country.
Vice-chancellor, Evelyn Welch said the scholarships would give Bristol the chance to "explore bold new ideas and nurture exceptional talent."
It is hoped the scholarships will give students "unparalleled access" to the fast-moving industry.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle MP said he believed the scheme would help students secure "highly skilled jobs" and build "a workforce fit for the future."
Finn Stevenson, Co-founder and Chief Executive of Flok Health said they were "delighted" to be part of the scheme, adding attracting the "world's best talent" was vital in aiding AI advancement in the UK
AI talent acquisition firm, Beamery said the scholarships would help their goal to create "equal access to work" and connect "talent to opportunity".
Applications open in Spring 2026, with the first cohort beginning studies the following autumn.
Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wisr AI Systems Inc. Accelerates Global Business Development at Web Summit Vancouver, InfoSec Europe, and VivaTech Paris
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 22, 2025) - Wisr AI Systems Inc. (CSE: WISR) ("Wisr AI" or the "Company"), a leading provider of AI-driven cyber and third-party risk intelligence, is pleased to announce the successful execution of several strategic business development initiatives across recent key global technology conferences, including Web Summit Vancouver, InfoSec Europe in London, and VivaTech Paris. Web Summit Vancouver (May 27-30, 2025) Wisr AI participated as part of the official AI delegation at Web Summit Vancouver, where CEO Rob Goehring was featured on panels discussing the future of predictive AI in enterprise cybersecurity and risk management. The Company held targeted meetings with industry stakeholders, public-sector innovation leaders, and investors. These engagements served to strengthen Wisr AI's leadership role in Canada's AI sector while building new relationships across the North American innovation landscape. InfoSec Europe, London (June 3-5, 2025) At InfoSec Europe, one of Europe's leading cybersecurity conferences, Wisr AI advanced its market development objectives through high-level engagements with managed service providers, enterprise IT risk teams, and government-backed cyber programs. The Company showcased its predictive risk platform designed to detect vendor vulnerabilities, ingest global intelligence signals, and automate prioritization of emerging cyber threats. The event marked a key milestone in Wisr AI's strategy to expand its European footprint. VivaTech Paris (June 11-14, 2025) Wisr AI was honoured to be selected as part of Canada's official delegation to VivaTech Paris, where Canada was recognized as "Country of the Year". The event brought together over 180,000 attendees and 2,800 exhibitors, including a strong cohort of AI-focused companies from around the world. Wisr AI used the opportunity to demonstrate how its platform leverages artificial intelligence to improve cyber resilience and compliance across complex global supply chains. Throughout the conference, Wisr AI engaged in bilateral meetings with multinational corporations, innovation ministries, and enterprise risk teams. These discussions were supported by Canadian and provincial trade delegations and enabled the Company to identify potential new European partners, explore collaboration with cross-border regulatory frameworks, and align with emerging AI safety and sovereignty initiatives. Rob Goehring, CEO of Wisr AI, stated: "These global events provided a powerful platform for Wisr AI to expand its reach and share our vision of proactive, intelligence-led risk management. We're proud to represent Canadian innovation on the world stage and are encouraged by the momentum we've built with partners and prospects in both North America and Europe." Equity Incentive Grants The Company also announces that on June 20, 2025, Wisr AI adopted a "rolling" omnibus equity incentive plan (the "Incentive Plan") and granted a total of 4,550,000 stock options and 3,900,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to certain directors, officers, and consultants of the Company. Each stock option is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 per share for a period of up to 5 years. The RSUs vest in accordance with time-based criteria established by Wisr AI's Board of Directors, with none of the RSUs vesting until at least six (6) months following the grant date. The grants are intended to align the interests of the Company's team with long-term shareholder value creation and to support the continued growth and success of Wisr AI. The foregoing stock options and RSUs are subject to the Incentive Plan in all respects, as well as any required approvals of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the Company's shareholders. About Wisr AI Systems Inc. Wisr AI Systems Inc. (CSE: WISR) is a Vancouver-based technology company specializing in AI-powered cyber risk prediction and third-party risk intelligence. The Company's platform analyzes real-time global signals—including breach data, dark web intelligence, and firmographic context—to help organizations identify, prioritize, and act on emerging cyber and supply chain risks. Wisr AI supports enterprise resilience by enabling dynamic, scalable, and predictive governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) strategies. For further information, please contact: Robert GoehringChief Executive OfficerTelephone: +1 (778) 200-9005Email: ir@ The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release may contain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding, among other things, expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations of the Company's management, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Entrepreneur
39 minutes ago
- Entrepreneur
The New Velocity
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In the UK's growing constellation of AI players, few are moving with the clarity and speed of Martin Neale, CEO and founder of Hampshire based technoliogy firm While many in the sector are still finding their footing, is already sprinting ahead, transforming public services through council-wide AI programmes, intelligent automation, and bespoke solutions designed to fit the specific pressures of local government. "AI has become a baseline for business success," Neale says. "A year ago, reactions were mixed, but today, its acceptance has unlocked opportunities that were previously out of reach." That shift -from curiosity to commitment - is fuelling one of the UK's fastest-growing private AI firms. isn't just adapting to the new era of AI enthusiasm; it's building infrastructure for it. And as adoption spreads through councils, healthcare providers, and institutions long thought resistant to change, the company's message is resonating: AI isn't the future - it's the now. But with scale comes scrutiny, and Neale's leadership is marked not just by technological boldness but operational precision. As the company's workload grew, so did the need to protect its most valuable asset: time. "We cut a number of internal cadence meetings as we got busier," he says. "Turns out, they weren't necessary, and eliminating them freed up time for more productive work." The move reflects a broader ethos that runs through strategy: keep things lean, purposeful, and future-facing. That same thinking extends to how Neale now views work culture itself. "I used to think everyone needed to be in the same physical space to succeed," he admits. "Now, I've seen that remote work, with occasional structured gatherings, works just as well, if not better." For a company driving digital transformation in some of the UK's most complex public environments, that kind of flexibility is no longer a perk - it's a competitive advantage. The future of work is distributed, and so is the future of AI delivery. When asked what gives UK founders an edge in today's market, Neale doesn't reach for hype. His answer is sharper, more grounded in execution. "Velocity. In an AI-driven world, the ability to move fast and adapt is critical. UK founders have the tools and talent to make speed their greatest advantage." That word - velocity - sits at the heart of his vision. Because while headlines often focus on generative breakthroughs or multi-billion-dollar valuations, Neale is more interested in what speed enables: faster deployment, quicker outcomes, and a shorter distance between an idea and its impact. Which leads to a bold prediction. "AI will shorten the path from start-up to exit and accelerate M&A activity," he says. "This will create more start-ups, more exits, and a boom in bolt-on aggregators reshaping industries." It's a vision of the UK not as a follower in the global AI race, but as a uniquely positioned ecosystem - one where small, fast-moving teams partner with institutions, move quickly toward traction, and become part of something bigger. A cycle of growth powered not by scale alone, but by smart exits, reinvestment, and repeat founders. In story, we see the early outlines of that future. A company born from public sector need, now thriving in an AI-first world that's catching up to its original thesis. With fewer meetings, faster feedback loops, and a fully distributed model, Neale's team is proving that speed and impact are not mutually exclusive - especially when they're built into the company's DNA from day one. There's no bravado in his delivery, no Silicon Valley gloss - just a founder moving with intent. And for Neale, that's the whole point.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
DHL's E-Commerce Trends Report 2025: AI and social media reshaping online shopping in Asia Pacific
Lack of delivery options is the number one conversion killer: 77% of shoppers in Asia Pacific abandon their carts when preferred delivery options are missing A shift in sustainability: almost half of shoppers in Asia Pacific had also abandoned their carts due to sustainability concerns Social commerce takes center stage: By 2030, 85% of consumers in Asia Pacific are expected to shop primarily through social media — bypassing traditional retail websites AI becomes essential: 81% of shoppers in Asia Pacific want AI-driven shopping tools — from virtual try-ons to voice search — to guide their decisions SINGAPORE, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DHL eCommerce has released its E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, drawing on insights from 24, 000 online shoppers across 24 key markets worldwide. For the Asia Pacific region, results show that delivery remains a significant barrier to purchase completion, with 77% of Asia Pacific shoppers abandoning their carts when their preferred delivery options are unavailable. Social commerce continues to rise in popularity, with 85% of the region's consumers expected to shop primarily through social media by 2030, bypassing traditional retail sites. Meanwhile, AI-driven shopping tools are in high demand, as 81% of shoppers seek features such as virtual try-ons and voice search to assist their purchasing decisions. This year's study comprises eight chapters, featuring six shopper types across four generational segments, and highlights how evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the future of online retail. While the report addresses an extensive range of topics from cross-border purchasing to shoppers' views on sale days like Black Friday, four key findings stand out: the transformative impact of AI and social commerce on online shopping, the crucial role of delivery options in converting carts, and sustainability shaping customer loyalty. "Asia Pacific has always been at the forefront of e-commerce due to its growing population of young, digital natives. The region's online shoppers know what they like, and it's important to recognize those changing behaviors that could make a significant difference to maintaining customer loyalty. As more of us shop online, we want a smooth experience. This is the entire journey from browsing to deciding if the item suits, to knowing that we have delivery options before making a convenient yet secure payment. Large and small business owners can rely on DHL eCommerce's insights and expertise to curate an experience that meets the needs of their customers," said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce. Shopping powered by AI: Smarter Journeys, Higher Expectations Advancements in generative AI are ushering in the next industrial revolution. But how will AI impact online shopping? DHL's latest e-commerce trend report reveals that AI is one of the most highly anticipated and demanded innovations among consumers, with 81% of shoppers in Asia Pacific wanting retailers to offer AI-powered shopping features. Virtual try-ons, AI-powered shopping assistants, and voice-enabled product search top the list of features consumers actively want to use. Shopping via voice commands is already on the rise, where about one in two (47%) of shoppers in the region make hands-free purchases. As digital expectations rise, so does the demand for intuitive, tech-enabled shopping journeys that blend utility with delight. Social Commerce Becomes the New E-Commerce The traditional e-commerce website is increasingly being replaced, or bypassed, by social platforms. Consumers are turning to apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook not just for discovery, but for purchase. In Asia Pacific, 85% of shoppers say they have already made a purchase via social media. This is expected to stay with more than eight out of 10 (85%) expect these platforms to become their primary shopping destination by 2030. The power of influence also plays a critical role: 87% of shoppers in Asia Pacific say viral trends and social buzz influence their buying decisions. TikTok, in particular, is driving change in markets such as Thailand and Malaysia, where 86% and 81% of online shoppers, respectively, report buying through the app. This shift signals a major transformation in the methods brands need to engage with their audiences, and calls for seamless, mobile-native experiences built for in-app conversion. Delivery and Returns: The Ultimate Conversion Drivers While new technologies continue to transform the digital shopping experience, the fundamentals of delivery and returns remain the biggest drivers of cart abandonment. Shoppers are not willing to compromise when it comes to convenience, flexibility, and control. 77% of consumers in the region will abandon their purchase if their preferred delivery option is not available. Just as critically, 75% will leave if the return process does not match their expectations. Trust also plays a major role, with 65% of shoppers in Asia Pacific reporting that they will not buy from a retailer if they do not trust the returns provider. These expectations emphasize the importance of transparent, customer-centric logistics strategies — not just as an operational concern, but as a core part of the conversion funnel. Sustainability and the Circular Economy: From Buzzword to Bottom-Line Impact Sustainability has evolved from a brand differentiator into a core consumer demand. In Asia Pacific, 79% of shoppers now consider sustainability when making online purchases. A significantly high consensus comes from India, where 92% find sustainability important when making an online purchase. This goes beyond packaging or shipping — one in two (49%) shoppers have abandoned their carts due to sustainability concerns. Consumers in Asia Pacific are also embracing more circular models of consumption, with 52% opting for pre-owned or refurbished goods, motivated by both environmental values and cost efficiency. Additionally, 72% of shoppers in Asia Pacific express a willingness to participate in recycling or buy-back programs offered by retailers, with 85% of survey respondents from China indicating that they would do so. These behaviors point to a growing expectation that brands will not only reduce their footprint but also actively empower consumers to shop more sustainably. As we look towards 2030, these insights provide a clear roadmap for retailers aiming to capture the attention of today's diverse shopper demographics. By embracing technology, prioritizing sustainability, and understanding the evolving preferences of consumers, businesses can transform challenges into opportunities. Further insights and information, as well as the full report, are available under the following link: or About the DHL E-Commerce Trends Report 2025 The E-Commerce Trends Report 2025 surveyed 24,000 consumers from Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Its findings offer actionable insights for e-commerce brands seeking to meet changing expectations, personalize experiences, and create growth through smarter logistics and innovation. Asia Pacific markets include Australia, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. – End – You can find the press release for download as well as further information on On the internet: Follow us at: DHL – The logistics company for the world DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as "The logistics company for the world". DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DHL
