AI and Digital
Turning AI and digital potential into real-world impact
Build the skills, capability and confidence to harness AI and digital technologies, backed by industry expertise and applied research.
Build the skills, capability and confidence to harness AI and digital technologies, backed by industry expertise and applied research.
AI and digital transformation are reshaping every sector.
Organisations face growing pressure to adopt new technologies, improve productivity and develop the skills needed to stay competitive.
Whether you're upskilling your workforce, accessing specialist expertise, accelerating digital transformation or developing innovative new solutions, we bring together learning, research and industry expertise to help you turn ambition into action.
Build AI and digital skills through apprenticeships, CPD, online learning and professional development.
Access expert guidance, consultancy and practical support to identify opportunities and implement AI effectively.
Work with our researchers, specialists and innovation teams through consultancy, KTPs and collaborative projects.
Access research expertise, specialist facilities, workforce development and innovation support through a single university partner.
Outstanding-rated apprenticeship provider with proven learner success, helping organisations develop talent, close skills gaps and build future-ready workforces
Connected to leading AI networks, like the Turing AI Network, and research communities, helping businesses access emerging technologies, expertise and innovation opportunities
Collaborate on research and innovation through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), collaborative R&D projects, consultancy and funded innovation programmes
Working with global technology leaders including Microsoft, Adobe, Apple and AWS to develop practical solutions and future-ready digital skill
Over 70 specialists spanning responsible and agentic AI, generative AI and machine learning, secure AI, data, digital twins, automation and AI-enabled engineering
Access specialist facilities including Digital Life, Digital Trade Testbed and the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation, designed to support research, testing and business growth
Home to Europe's first Adobe Creative Campus and an Apple Distinguished School, equipping learners with industry-relevant digital and creative skills
Build the knowledge, skills and confidence your organisation needs to use AI and digital technologies effectively.
Professional apprenticeships
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, technology, and the ability to harness its potential, is reshaping industries and driving digital transformation. Business analysts (BA) play a focal role in accelerating digital change and innovation. For organisations focused on leveraging emerging technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), the BA’s toolkit can add substantial value to your organisation.
Funded by Skills and Growth Levy
Employer payment incentives available
Professional apprenticeships
AI Leadership: Strategy and Opportunity is a Level 5 apprenticeship unit for senior leaders who need to make informed decisions about AI and its role within their organisation.
Funded by Skills and Growth Levy
Employer payment incentives available
Professional apprenticeships
AI Adoption, Governance and Delivery is an apprenticeship unit designed for leaders and managers responsible for selecting, procuring and governing AI solutions within their organisation.
Funded by Skills and Growth Levy
Employer payment incentives available
Professional apprenticeships
Develop the skills to optimise workplace workflows, minimise operational waste, and drive business success.
Funded by Skills and Growth Levy
Employer payment incentives available
Short course
A practical programme that helps you and your teams confidently adopt AI in everyday operations, using real-world applications to improve productivity, decision-making and workflow efficiency.
Short course
As a business leader you are always looking for ways to stay competitive, drive growth and ensure the long-term success of your business. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to transform the way you work, drive innovation and productivity, and give you a competitive edge in your industry.
Short course
A focused programme that equips construction and built environment professionals with practical skills in BIM, digital twins and AI-driven technologies to improve project planning, asset management, co-ordination and decision-making.
Short course
This one-day course equips participants with essential skills in Data Analytics Expressions (DAX) for business intelligence using Power BI, empowering you to leverage data for insightful reporting and strategic decision-making.
Online learning
The world is becoming more reliant on IT systems and keeping these systems safe is paramount. This conversion course prepares you for a change of profession and provides an opportunity for development for those already working in the field.
Online learning
Cyber attacks are one of the biggest threats to global security and there is a high demand for specialist skills in the field of cyber security. This course is designed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Work with our academics, researchers and industry specialists to identify, evaluate and implement AI and digital solutions that deliver meaningful impact across your organisation.
Collaborate with our researchers, students and innovation specialists to solve complex challenges, explore new opportunities and access funding that supports innovation and growth.
Benefit from state-of-the-art facilities designed to support AI and digital innovation.
Test new ideas, develop solutions and explore emerging technologies using specialist environments, equipment and expertise that support innovation across a wide range of sectors.
Digital LifeDigital Life is our flagship centre for digital innovation, bringing together state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge research and real-world collaboration. Recognised at the Construction Excellence North East Awards 2025.
More about Digital Life
Digitalisation labDriving digital transformation, this lab explores AI, IoT, and data analytics to optimise business processes and improve industry performance.
More about Digitalisation lab
Teesside Digital Trade TestbedThe Teesside Digital Trade Testbed is a pioneering facility at Teesside International Airport, designed to revolutionise global trade. We provide businesses with the tools to test, validate and innovate cutting-edge digital solutions that make trade processes faster, more cost-effective and sustainable.
More about Teesside Digital Trade Testbed
Our academics aren't just teaching AI and digital; they're actively researching it, building it and advising organisations on how to use it responsibly.
From ethical AI research backed by the Gates Foundation to hands-on work with industry on live AI security and transformation projects, our team brings real, current expertise to every conversation.
Associate Professor (Research) in Computer Science
Dr Alessandro Di Stefano is an Associate Professor and AI Advantage Lead specialising in artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, game theory, complex networks and responsible AI. He co-developed FAIRGAME, an award-winning framework for detecting bias and analysing emergent behaviour in LLM-based agents, internationally recognised with an Outstanding Paper Award at ECAI 2025. He also leads industry-facing AI research and Knowledge Transfer activity, translating LLMs, machine learning and intelligent automation into real-world business impact.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement & Partnerships); Professor
Professor Chrisina Jayne is an experienced artificial intelligence researcher whose work focuses on machine learning, artificial neural networks and their application across engineering, business and education. She has published extensively on neural computation and AI and has led work involving unstructured data, document and image processing, intelligent systems and adaptive feedback. Her expertise combines AI research, curriculum innovation and academic leadership, supporting the responsible development and adoption of AI-enabled solutions across sectors.
Professor of Computer Science; Lead, Centre for Digital Innovation
Professor The Anh Han is Professor of Computer Science and Lead of Teesside University's Centre for Digital Innovation. His research covers AI safety, multi-agent systems, agent-based modelling, intention recognition, knowledge representation and evolutionary game theory. He studies how intelligent agents and humans behave in strategic and cooperative settings, with particular interest in safe AI development, incentives and governance. His work combines theoretical modelling with multidisciplinary and empirical approaches to responsible AI.
Professor of Artificial Intelligence; Co-Lead, Centre for Digital Innovation
Professor Claudio Angione is Professor of Artificial Intelligence and co-leads Teesside University's Centre for Digital Innovation. His research sits at the intersection of AI, mathematics and biology, with expertise in machine and deep learning, optimisation, systems biology and genome-scale metabolic modelling. He develops computational methods that integrate complex biological and multi-omic data, applying advanced AI to biomedical and biotechnological challenges while supporting interdisciplinary, data-driven innovation and scientific discovery.
Professor of Applied AI
Professor Annalisa Occhipinti is Professor of Applied AI, specialising in deep learning, multimodal data integration, computational modelling and AI for health and life sciences. Her research develops AI methodologies for cancer, biomedical data and survival analysis, alongside industry-facing applications in business intelligence and operational insight. She also contributes to responsible AI initiatives, combining methodological expertise with experience translating data-intensive research into practical solutions for healthcare, biological science and industry.
Professor in Digital Innovation
Professor Olugbenga Akinade is Professor in Digital Innovation with expertise in applied AI, AI ethics, digital twins, Internet of Things, autonomous systems and immersive technologies. His research develops intelligent socio-technical systems for sectors including manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics and digital trade. He has extensive experience working with businesses, policymakers and technology partners, applying emerging digital technologies to improve productivity, sustainability, resilience and data-driven decision-making across complex industrial environments.
Not sure where to start?
Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or looking to accelerate existing activity, our team can connect you with the right expertise and support.
