Supported by guest speakers working at the forefront of artificial intelligence, the launch offered participants an insider\u2019s view on how to get the most out of AI in professional and academic contexts.<\/p>\n
A New Kind of Learning Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n The AI for Business Accelerator<\/strong> is an innovative, team-based competition designed to immerse students in the practical applications of AI. Beginning with the masterclass, the programme continues with a series of hands-on lab sessions. Successful participants will progress to the Advanced AI Labs<\/strong>, where they will collaborate in teams to develop cutting-edge AI-driven business solutions.<\/p>\n The winning team will travel to Munich<\/strong> and present their AI concept at the BMW Motorrad headquarters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Exploring the Human Side of AI<\/strong><\/p>\n The masterclass opened with presentations from Vicky Knight, <\/strong>Dean of Kent Business School, who discussed the previous industrial revolutions and the impact of AI on careers and the workplace<\/em>. She highlighted the importance of developing critical thinking in our approach to using and developing AI business tools.<\/p>\n This theme\u2014balancing AI efficiency with human creativity\u2014ran throughout the day.<\/p>\n Bringing Real World Experience to Students<\/strong><\/p>\n Two highly experienced and engaging guest speakers brought real energy to the interactive session.<\/p>\n Barney Worfolk-Smith, co-founder and CGO<\/strong>, DAIVID<\/strong>, who delivered a presentation: \u201cPragmatism from the frontline of AI in Advertising\u201d \u00a0demonstrated how thei company uses AI to analyse the emotional and cognitive responses to advertisements, revealing the vast potential of AI in understanding consumer behaviour. Sharing a unique insight into how music impacts engagement by sharing the data analysis from the famous \u201cwe need a bigger boat\u201d scene from the movie, \u201cJaws\u201d.<\/p>\n Frieda Yonzan, Regional Enablement Leader, EMEA, Databricks<\/strong> focused on \u201cAI Upskilling: Empowering the Next Generation.\u201d She highlighted the often unseen side of AI in terms of how many projects fail and the high cost;\u00a0 informing the class that \u201c85% of dollars spent haven\u2019t shown a return yet.”<\/p>\n She shared a quote from Ali Ghodsi, the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Databricks<\/strong>:<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone we speak to is constrained by the same problem; not enough people with the right data and AI skills. With the right investment and the right tools, we will see more AI innovation in this next generation than all previous generations combined.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Databricks is committed to democratising data and AI training. They will be training 100,000 people across the UK and Ireland by 2028.<\/p>\n Databricks has offered University of Kent KBS and Computing students who attended the masterclass free 30-day access to their training tools<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Over 80 students<\/strong> attended the event, engaging in dynamic discussions and Q&A sessions. Many asked challenging questions about how to maintain human value in an AI-driven world\u2014echoing the speakers\u2019 message that while AI can automate repetitive tasks and process vast data, it is the human skills of critical thinking and creativity<\/em> that when used with AI will truly distinguish future leaders.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n The AI for Business Accelerator<\/strong> represents Kent Business School\u2019s forward-looking approach to preparing students for a rapidly evolving digital economy. As the series progresses through its lab stages, students will not only gain valuable technical skills but also learn how to apply them ethically and strategically in real-world business settings.<\/p>\n The masterclass\u2019s success sets a promising tone for the rest of the competition\u2014and for Kent\u2019s growing reputation as a hub for innovation in AI and business.<\/p>\n Find out more about the AI for Business Accelerator<\/a> here.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/kbs-news-events\/files\/2025\/10\/Databricks-offer.png\")
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