Cardiff firm Amplyfi set for central role in UK Government’s AI Masters programme

Cardiff-based Business intelligence and research firm AMPLYFI is set to impact on the future of AI talent in the UK, having been chosen to work with the UK Government’s new AI Masters programme.

Along with another 10 of the UK’s highest profile AI tech businesses including DeepMind and Quantum Black, Cardiff-based AMPLYFI has collaborated with the Institute of Coding and British Computer Society to contribute to the AI Masters initiative, which aims to create 200 placements in UK universities.

Unveiled by Business Secretary Greg Clark and Digital Secretary Jeremy Wright, the initiative will see thousands of graduates become experts in artificial intelligence through industry funding and a total of £110 million Government investment towards a number of educational programmes.

In addition to world-leading insight and expertise provided to the organisers of the AI Masters programme, AMPLYFI has also committed to offering work placements to students involved in AI Masters courses.

Speaking about AMPLYFI’s role in the new initiative, Chris Ganje, CEO and co-founder said:

“AMPLYFI is proud to be involved in the launch of the AI Masters programme. In the UK, we are at a critical point in the development of tech skills and talent, with artificial intelligence one of the key areas of expertise where we can lead the world. AMPLYFI is a case in point – we’ve experienced huge success in the last year, growing our global customer base and increasing our workforce by a third.

“We’re excited to play a core role in developing the programme further over the coming years, both by offering advice and insight into how the AI industry is evolving, and providing places to participants in the programme so that we can develop the very best talent.

“As the only start-up involved, it is important to add our expertise and guidance to the development of the programme. All tech businesses need to take some responsibility in nurturing talent – and this is a demonstration of just one of the many significant contributions we’re making to furthering our industry.”

AMPLYFI, which is enjoying rapid success and growth across the globe with its unique, AI-powered business intelligence platform DataVoyant, is fast becoming a notable tech employer in the Wales and UK tech industry. The announcement reflects AMPLYFI’s commitment to ensuring that the UK is a world-leader in artificial intelligence, with the firm being the only start-up involved in the project.

Commenting on the launch of a new joint government-industry package to drive up skills in the AI sector, Business Secretary Greg Clark said:

“The UK has long been a nation of innovators. This AI skills and talent investment will help nurture leading UK and international talent to ensure we retain our world-beating reputation in research and development.

“Artificial intelligence has great potential to drive up productivity and enhance every industry throughout our economy, from more effective disease diagnosis to building smart homes. Today’s announcement is our modern Industrial Strategy in action, investing in skills and talent to drive high skilled jobs, growth and productivity across the UK.”

Digital Secretary Jeremy Wright said:

“The UK is not only the birthplace to the father of artificial intelligence, Alan Turing, but we are leading the way on work to ensure AI innovation has ethics at its core.

“We want to keep up this momentum and cement our reputation as pioneers in AI. Working with world class academic institutions and industry we will be able to train the next generation of top-tier AI talent and maintain the UK’s reputation as a trailblazer in emerging technologies.”

The AI Masters programme will be made available to 200 students from September 2019. The programmes collaborate with the Industry of Coding and British Computer Society and are supported by funding and expertise from 11 companies including AMPLYFI, Deepmind, Quantum Black, Cisco and BAE Systems.

The commitment from industry will collectively fund up to 50 of these places and provide opportunities for work-based placements.

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