Kingston University runs workshops on AI for local businesses

Kingston University has launched an initiative to help local organisations explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), hosting a pair of generative AI workshops for business leaders from across the borough.

The GenAI Accelerator Series took place at the Kingston Hill campus and was led by Dr Evy Sakellariou, Gen AI Innovation Lead at the Foresight and Creativity Hub of Kingston Business School. The sessions brought together leaders from a range of industries to examine how emerging technologies can support innovation, decision‑making and long‑term growth.

The workshops were delivered in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and Kingston Chamber of Commerce, reflecting the University’s commitment to supporting the region’s economic development.

Dr Sakellariou said the series was designed to encourage a culture of shared learning and responsible experimentation: “We have initiated the GenAI Accelerator Series to spark an ecosystem of continuous learning and experimentation, where business leaders move beyond adoption and start reimagining what GenAI makes possible.  Our ambition is to help leaders become creators — not just users — of GenAI capabilities, turning responsible experimentation into sustainable competitive advantage,” she explained.

“We invited business leaders to help shape this ecosystem with us through co-creation, shared learning, and sustained collaboration, bringing together ideas, resources, and real-world challenges to build future skills and long-term value for organisations, communities and society.”

Exploring opportunities and responsible adoption

The workshops were attended by 30 business representatives from Kingston.

The first workshop discussed what opportunities AI can give businesses right now and how it can be used safely and effectively. The second workshop focused on how businesses in Kingston can collaborate to adopt AI responsibly, develop new capabilities and work together for future innovation. 

Sara Carter, owner of Kingston-based business SC Training & Consultancy, attended both workshops and shared her positive experience: “The workshops really shifted my thinking. We moved past AI as a content tool and into what actually matters for small businesses: AI as a thinking partner, decision support and operational co-pilot.

“If everyone has access to GenAI, advantage doesn’t come from using it faster — it comes from using it differently. For small businesses, that’s huge. This isn’t just about saving time or writing posts. It’s about improving decisions, extending expertise you don’t yet have in-house and supporting founders where clarity and prioritisation are hardest.”

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