TLDR: Aston University and Capgemini have officially launched a Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI. This collaboration aims to empower businesses to leverage artificial intelligence and generative AI for competitive advantage, foster a collaborative AI ecosystem, and develop future-ready AI talent through advanced training and upskilling programs. The centre was formally opened on September 25, 2025, at Aston’s London campus.
Aston University and Capgemini have announced the establishment of a new Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI, a strategic partnership designed to help businesses harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence. The initiative combines Aston University’s strengths in AI innovation and academic research with Capgemini’s extensive experience in business and technology consulting and organizational transformation.
The Centre of Excellence was officially inaugurated on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Aston’s London campus on Aldersgate Street, near St Paul’s. The opening event was attended by senior leaders from the finance, manufacturing, and health sectors, alongside key figures from West Midlands and national government. Co-chairs Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, and Sudhir Pai, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer for Financial Services at Capgemini, delivered the opening remarks.
Professor Subic emphasized the critical role of AI in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, stating, “Artificial intelligence is transforming business and society at an unprecedented speed. For enterprises, it is critical that they harness the power of AI and generative AI to remain competitive and to drive future growth.” He outlined the centre’s tripartite vision: to build a collaborative AI ecosystem that unites businesses, researchers, and policymakers; to develop future-ready AI talent through advanced training, executive education, and upskilling opportunities; and to accelerate enterprise AI’s impact to enhance productivity, secure competitive advantage, and achieve measurable business outcomes.
This strategic move comes as a Capgemini Research Institute report, titled “Navigating uncertainty with confidence: Investment priorities for 2025,” revealed a strong commitment to AI investment. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of business leaders ranked AI and Generative AI among their top three technology investment priorities for 2025. However, the report also highlighted the significant challenge many organizations face in successfully navigating this transformation and realizing tangible value.
Steven Webb, UK Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Capgemini, underscored the collaborative necessity, remarking, “The UK has one of the strongest AI economies, but we need to work together to nurture talent, develop the skills essential for driving future growth, and create favourable conditions for innovators and businesses. Collaborations between academia, the private sector and government will be the key to solidifying the UK as a global AI superpower.”
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The Centre of Excellence is poised to offer partnership opportunities tailored for a wide spectrum of organizations, from pioneering start-ups and scaling enterprises to established corporations across diverse sectors including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. It aims to bridge the gap between AI innovation and practical application, ensuring that businesses can translate AI’s potential into measurable results. Aston University has already welcomed its first cohort of students, offering degree programs in areas such as digital innovation, data science, artificial intelligence, and cyber security management, further supporting the talent development goals of the new centre.
