Experience the future firsthand at the South West’s premiere AI event
Plymouth is set to become an interactive hub of Artificial Intelligence with the launch of the South West’s first major AI event. “LifeIn AI” is your chance to experience the future firsthand with AI robots, AI keynote talks, immersive dome shows and hands-on workshops led by industry experts that will showcase the cutting edge technology being developed right here in Devon and Cornwall.
Taking place on Wednesday 9th April at Plymouth’s Market Hall in Devonport — a leading venue for digital and tech conferences — this FREE event will provide access to interactive AI experiences for businesses, creatives, academics, students and the general public alike, transforming the historic venue into a vibrant hub of innovation.
This groundbreaking one-day event, showcasing the region’s AI capabilities, is organised in partnership with Devon & Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and delivered by the Devon Chamber of Commerce, supported by Tomlinson Solutions and Smart Working Revolution.
Date: Wednesday 9th April, 2025
Time: 10am-7pm
Venue: Market Hall, Duke Street, Devonport, Plymouth
Plymouth becomes a hub of AI innovation when “LifeIn AI” takes place. This is a groundbreaking one-day event dedicated to showcasing the region's AI capabilities. More than 150 tickets have already been snapped up for this event. It is free to enter but you must sign up via the Eventbrite link before the event begins.
Expect an array of talks on AI aimed at both local businesses and the general public throughout the day alongside fascinating demonstrations including AI robots, AI- powered drones, robot dogs and an AI-powered Mercedes Sprinter van.
Also expect a rolling schedule of interactive workshops that look at multiple AI-related subjects throughout the day and browse through a marketplace with AI-related businesses who can help you navigate this hot-yet-often misunderstood subject.
Also catch incredible AI-powered shows in Europe’s largest immersive Dome, which will prove to be as stunning for families as they are for business representatives and the general public.
Finish the day with a one-hour Central AI Podcast Panel Talk, hosted by Paul Philpott, a Director of the Devon Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director at Fresh Air Studios, and featuring some of the best AI experts and enthusiasts from across the South West.
Ronnie Carter, Devon & Somerset LSIP Executive and Project Manager, says: “We are delighted to be the headline partner for ‘Life in AI’.
“AI is already reshaping industries and ensuring our regional workforce has the right skills to harness its potential is critical for future growth. A study by Accenture last year found that 97% of businesses recognise the urgent need to adopt AI, yet only 15% feel truly AI-ready. This highlights the pressing need to bridge the AI skills gap.
“By bringing together businesses, educators and industry leaders, the ‘LifeIn AI’ event will provide a vital platform to explore how we equip our workforce with the skills needed for an AI-driven future. From automation to data science and machine learning, AI is set to transform the way we work — and our region must be at the forefront of this revolution.”
About "LifeIn AI"
“LifeIn AI” is a free-to-attend public event designed to educate and inspire businesses, professionals and the wider community about the advancements and opportunities in Artificial Intelligence. It’s also a chance for businesses to see “what’s on their doorstep” when it comes to the wealth of companies in Devon and Cornwall that offer AI services, training and solutions.
Organised by Plymouth creative agency Brand Biscuit Studio and Plymouth journalist, content creator and marketer Matt Fleming, “LifeIn AI” was conceived to offer businesses, entrepreneurs, academics, creatives, students, families and the general public in Devon and Cornwall the chance to explore AI's role in innovation and industry. After all, AI will affect everyone and isn’t it worth finding out more about it now rather than fearing its impact in the future?
“LifeIn AI” was also conceived because Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall have never seen such a large-scale event dedicated to AI before. Alongside global advancements, the event will showcase groundbreaking AI developments emerging from the South West, highlighting the region’s growing influence in the tech landscape.
Christina Wilkins, founder of Brand Biscuit Studio and co-creator of “LifeIn AI”, says: “We believe 'LifeIn AI' will be a catalyst for innovation and growth in our region. By bringing together businesses, educators and the community in an accessible and inclusive space, we can foster curiosity, encourage discovery and support a deeper understanding of AI and its exciting potential to shape our future.
“While we welcome the curious public from all ages and backgrounds, the event is particularly relevant for companies looking to integrate AI into their operations, upskill their teams and connect with thought leaders shaping the future of technology.”
Matt Fleming, Plymouth journalist, marketer, content creator and co-creator of “LifeIn AI”, adds: “AI affects everyone. This event is certainly a B2B and B2C event but the fact that we have so many exciting AI demonstrations, talks, Dome shows and workshops means it’s ideal for the public and families too, especially as it’s the Easter holidays. We hope this will become an annual event so that we can shout about Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall’s incredible AI innovations in the future.”
A Day of Discovery and Innovation
"LifeIn AI" will delve into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence, debunking myths and showcasing its practical applications across various sectors. Attendees can expect to:
Learn from local experts: Engage with leading AI professionals through insightful talks and interactive workshops throughout the day.
Witness cutting-edge technology: Experience live demonstrations of AI-powered robotics, VR/AR experiences and other innovative applications of how AI enhances lives in ways we don’t expect.
Connect with the AI ecosystem: Explore the AI Marketplace, featuring local businesses, and organisations, showcasing their AI-driven projects that support growth and enhance lives and open opportunity.
Gain valuable insights: Participate in a live podcast featuring a panel of AI experts discussing the future of AI and answering all the big elephant-in-the-room questions to reduce fear and offer an understanding of this inevitable technological shift.
"LifeIn AI" is supported by local Sponsors and Partners
The headline Partner of “LifeIn AI” is Devon & Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which is led by the Devon Chamber of Commerce and Somerset Chamber of Commerce and aims to work with employers and education providers to shape the future workforce in both counties, aligning skills provision with the needs of local businesses and organisations. It has a great interest in AI and digital skills. The Devon & Somerset LSIP, for “LifeIn AI”, is delivered by the Devon Chamber of Commerce and is supported by Cornwall business Smart Working Revolution and Newton Abbot’s Tomlinson Solutions.
The General Sponsors for “LifeIn AI” are City College Plymouth, Inovara AI, Optix Solutions, Your Tech Future and Devon County Council. Disruption Works is also a Support Sponsor of the event.
Full Schedule for “LifeIn AI” on Wednesday 9th April 2025:
Keynote talks:
10.30am-11.15am - Ronnie Carter, Devon & Somerset LSIP Executive and Projects Manager, with Josh Hoole, Director at Smart Working Revolution, and Troy Wheeler, Operations Director at Tomlinson Solutions: “Introduction to Headline Partners: The Intelligence of Together — Smarter, Safer, Stronger”
11.30am-12.15pm - Lee McQueen, Director of Adult Education and Business Growth at City College Plymouth, and students from City College Plymouth: “The Future of Jobs in an AI-first World — Your Future Career Companion”: Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction. It's rapidly transforming our world and creating a wave of new job opportunities. From AI ethics and data science to machine learning engineering and prompt engineering, the field is expanding at a pace. This talk will provide an overview of these emerging roles, the skills required and how you can position yourself to thrive in the AI-driven future.
12.30pm-1.15pm - Andy Doyle, Filmily founder, consultant and Tech SW AI Ambassador: “A Journey into AI” — Join Andy as he delves into AI and discusses what’s out there now... and what the future may hold…
1.30pm-2.15pm - Craig Mclaren-Kennedy, Digital Consultant with Cosmic: “Unlocking the Power of AI for Small Businesses” — Join Craig from Cosmic for a practical 45-minute session exploring how AI is transforming the way small businesses work. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your existing processes, this session will give you the knowledge and confidence to take your next step with AI.
2.30pm-3.15pm - Joe Caley, Senior Digital Marketing Manager — SEO Lead, and Xenia Coker-Espina, Head of Growth, at Optix Solutions: “Can we trust AI? How AI is rewriting the way businesses and consumers connect” — An exploration of how AI is changing the way consumers find businesses they want to buy from.
3.30pm-4.15pm - Lisa Lessware, Digital Business Advisor at Heart of the South West Growth Hub: “Digital Marketing and AI”.
4.30pm-5.15pm - Dr Oliver Tills, UKRI Future Leaders Research Fellow and Director of Phenomyx CIC: “From Pixels to Patterns: AI’s Role in Understanding Complex Biology in a Changing World”.
6pm-7pm Central Podcast Panel:
Host: Paul Philpott, Director at Devon Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of Fresh Air Studios Panellists:
Lee McQueen, Director of Adult Education and Business Growth at City College Plymouth
Steve Tomkinson, Director at Disruption Works
Jake Gibson Shaw-Sutton, Lecturer in Applied Robotics at the University of Plymouth's School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
Lynsey Skinner, Managing Director at Your Tech Future
Troy Wheeler, Operations Director at Tomlinson Solutions
Sam Halfyard, Co-Founder at Inovara
Workshops schedule:
Workspace 1:
11am-12.30pm - Ben Siu, Plymouth Business School, and Rupert Lorraine, The Bridge at the University of Plymouth, interactive workshop: “AI for Everyone: Exploring AI’s role in Learning, Work and Creativity”
2pm-3.30pm - Team from City College Plymouth’s interactive workshop: “AI Image Generation” — This workshop will introduce you to the exciting world of AI image generation! You’ll learn how to use powerful AI tools to transform your sketches and concepts into stunning visuals. This workshop will empower you to bring your artistic vision to life in ways you never thought possible.
Boardroom:
10.45am-11.15am - Gavin Jones, Head of Innovation at Elixel: “The Bionic Innovator: How Collaborating with AI can Enhance Creativity and Speed Up Innovation”. A talk-workshop. In the session, Gavin will explore where creativity comes from, how we can use AI to be a critical friend and share some of the tools he uses to get from idea to testable prototype in lightning speed.
11.30am-12.30pm - Sam Halfyard, Co-Founder at Inovara, “AI Agents and Automation” workshop: Discover how AI agents can help you automate the boring stuff, save hours each week and focus on the work that actually matters.
1pm-2pm - Josh Hoole, Director at Smart Working Revolution, and Troy Wheeler, Operations Director at Tomlinson Solutions: “The Intelligence of Together — Smarter, Safer, Stronger”
2.30pm-3.30pm - Steve Tomkinson, Director at Disruption Works, workshop: “The AI Circus: Five Acts to Business Innovation.” — A workshop that ‘looks through the circus that AI has become for businesses that want to leverage AI, taking you through act by act on what to buy tickets for and what acts to avoid’.
4pm-4.45pm - Sacha Walton, Head of Projects at GE HealthCare (Intelligent Ultrasound): a workshop on “How AI innovations are improving obstetric ultrasound care in high and low-income countries”.
Live Demonstrations on display throughout the day:
University of Plymouth’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences — exterior of building: “Environmental Space Living Lab” Mercedes Sprinter vehicle: This is a Mobile Robot Deployment Lab featuring everything needed to visualise and process both terrestrial and aerial robots in real time. There are plenty of AI-powered exhibits here. At the van outside there will be robot dogs, a Robotic Traction Unit (RTU) and some drones.
University of Plymouth’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences — Pepper the Robot, a social interaction research robot powered by AI.
University of Plymouth’s Faculty of Health — Dr Katie Edwards, Research Fellow, Centre for Health Technology, School of Nursing and Midwifery — BRIDGING Project VR Demo: “Breakthrough interview extended reality training towards reducing the autism employment gap.” The BRIDGING project is interested in understanding how a VR application might help young autistic people with job interview processes and sustaining employment.
University of Plymouth’s Faculty of Health — Dr Rory Baxter, Research Fellow, Centre for Health Technology — ICONIC research project VR Demo: “Co-designing new technologies to support environment access”. The ICONIC research project has been co-designing new technologies with people in Cornwall and Devon to support digital access. Researchers will be here showing off AI-powered fish identification in Virtual Reality as part of a technology allowing people to explore the environment remotely.
University of Plymouth’s Faculty of Health — Dr Om Prakash Singh, Lecturer in Digital Health at Centre for Health Technology, the School of Nursing and Midwifery — RCF research project “Wearable Patch for Management of Heart Failure at Home”. Demo: This project presents a cutting-edge, low-power wearable ECG patch—integrated dry electrodes for home-based heart failure monitoring. It demonstrates the innovative dry electrode technology and real-time, long-term ECG tracking for personalised, AI- enabled care.
University of Plymouth student project — Image Reconstruction from Brain Signals by Jared Goh.
City College Plymouth — An AI-powered demo which is soon to be unveiled but is sure to be fun and interactive.
Europe’s largest immersive Dome - Opens at 11am and closes at 4pm:
11am-2.45pm: Real Ideas’ ‘Dome Experience’ shows: Showcasing the immersive Dome and its incredible digital technology with AI image generation along the way!
3pm-4pm: “Coids” Show curated by the University of Plymouth School of Art, Design and Architecture team: Coids, which means “cosmic-oid objects”, is an AI-driven, emotionally-recognisable Dome interactive project. By wearing a simple brainwave detecting device and sensing your emotions, the Dome generates particles. Leave your emotions to the cosmos. Look up and see the vastness of the starry sky.
Market stalls in the “LifeIn AI” Marketplace:
Smart Working Revolution
Tomlinson Security
King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence Westcotts
Heart of the SW Growth Hub
On Course South West
Devon County Council / Cosmic
Your Tech Future
Phenomyx
Disruption Works
Optix
City College Plymouth
WeSolve AI
Food and drink is available for purchase all day between 10am and 7pm at Real Ideas’ Community Café at Market Hall. Parking is also ample around the area if you are driving to the venue.
Register your interest in attending the day on Eventbrite and secure your FREE ticket: https://bit.ly/LifeInAIEvent
Reserve a seat for FREE at the 6pm-7pm Central Podcast Panel discussion: https://bit.ly/LifeInAIPodcastTicket
Instagram: @lifein_series
LinkedIn Event Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lifein-series
“LifeIn AI” website: www.lifeinseries.com
