University of Westminster launches AI Network to accelerate cross-disciplinary AI research and industry collaboration
The University of Westminster has launched the Westminster AI Network, a university-wide hub connecting researchers, students, and industry partners to move practical AI projects forward and unlock external funding.
Since its formal start in May, the network has supported or led eight external funding applications and secured two new industry partnerships. It's quickly becoming the central point for AI work across the institution.
What's new and why it matters
- Eight external funding bids supported or led since July.
- Two new partnerships formed at launch: StarPal.AI and On the Mend.
- 81 participants from across colleges and schools attended the launch event.
- Work is built around the university's research and knowledge exchange strategy, which follows the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr Alexander Bolotov, Reader in Computer Science and Engineering and Co-leader of the network, said, "The formal establishment of Westminster AI Network in May was the recognition of one of Westminster's research strengths. Our recent launch event has demonstrated very high level of engagement across all Westminster colleges and schools, bringing 81 participants. Moreover, the launch event has brought two new partnerships, with StarPal.AI and On the Mend, which have started working on joint applications for external funding. Overall, since July, the Westminster AI Network has led, supported or partnered in eight applications for external funding."
Inside the launch event
The October 22 event at the Marylebone Campus featured quick-fire research pitches from students and staff, competing for internal support from the Research and Knowledge Exchange Office. Selected teams will receive mentoring and resources to move from concept to prototype.
A panel chaired by Dr Barbara Villarini and Dr Tom Oliver focused on applied questions across AI ethics, enterprise deployment, generative AI, creative computing, and cognitive science. The discussion leaned into real use cases and constraints-less theory, more "how do we ship this responsibly?"
Invited panelist Edward Frank Morris, CEO and Lead Prompt Engineer at Enigmatica, said, "I left the event impressed, mostly because it was filled with people actually building instead of performing innovation theatre for applause. It reminded me that AI is only as sharp as the minds wielding it, and the real breakthrough happens the moment you realise the tool isn't transforming the work, it's transforming the worker."
Project spotlight: immersive sign language learning
PhD researcher Timur Martinez-Mukimov and Dr Daphne Economou pitched a web-based immersive sign language platform. Teachers can create custom content, turn it into interactive games, and get real-time performance feedback.
The team will also compare learning experiences to measure engagement, motivation, and outcomes-useful evidence for anyone building accessible, feedback-driven learning tools.
What researchers can do with this
- Use the network to assemble cross-disciplinary teams quickly-computing, design, health, and social sciences under one roof.
- Tap into internal mentoring and resources to strengthen funding bids and speed up pilot studies.
- Connect with industry to validate assumptions, access data, and pressure-test deployment plans.
- Engage with active debates on ethics and enterprise rollout to avoid dead-ends and compliance risk later.
What's next
The AI Research Showcase 2025 will give researchers space to present in-progress work and open new collaboration threads. Expect continued focus on projects linked to innovation, reducing inequalities, and partnerships-consistent with the SDGs.
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