Digital Innovators Programme
NEW COURSE DATES FOR 2026 - Register now!
A world class extra-curricular programme for post-16 students with lecturers and academics from University College London.
All spaces fully-funded by 1st Central.
We are at the start of a major change in how technology shapes our lives and future jobs, driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Learning how to use AI tools is becoming an important skill for everyone, especially students. New AI tools are already helping people work faster and smarter in many careers, from business and law to coding and creative roles. In the future, learning could include AI chatbots that act like personal tutors, and many students are already using AI and easy-to-use tools to build apps and test ideas. Understanding the basics of how technology works will help you use these tools confidently, spot mistakes, and adapt them to your own ideas.
Want to learn how this works in real life?
Sign up to the Digital Innovators Programme to explore AI, build future-ready skills, and start shaping your career journey.
Who is this programme suitable for?
Post-16 students in Guernsey.
It is important for everyone to learn about AI technology, especially if you are seeking a professional career in STEM subjects, arts, humanities.
This is great opportunity with a limited amount of fully funded placements as part of this years Digital Innovators Programme powered by 1st Central. To sign-up to take part please fill in the online form below.
When is it?
The programme consists of three elements and will start in February 2026 with weekly AI Explorer virtual lectures, followed by the Student Summit face-to-face event on 25th March and an AI Hackathon one-day event on 22nd April 2026.
Here is an overview of the activities available within the 2026 programme. Please register to reserve your space on the programme via the form below.
AI Explorer: Virtual Lectures
The AI Explorer course consists of six 1-hour live and interactive virtual lectures with leading lectures and academics from University College London. It gives students the opportunity to take a deep dive into the topic of Artificial Intelligence across highly relevant subjects and industries.
All sessions will be online - once you have registered for your space on the programme you will be sent a confirmation and links to sessions. The full schedule of topics and dates here:
|
Lecture Topic |
Lecturer |
Date |
|
Introduction to AI |
TBC |
4 - 5pm, |
|
Harnessing AI in the workplace |
Tim Barnes, Centre for Entrepreneurship |
4 - 5pm, |
|
Fundamentals for using AI tools for education |
Steve Grix, Meganexus |
4 - 5pm, |
|
Ethics of AI usage |
Maryam Banduka |
4 - 5pm, |
|
AI in Healthcare |
Lara Carter |
4 - 5pm, |
|
AI in the Creative Industries |
Prof Philip Treleaven, UCL |
4 - 5pm, |
Student Summit
Wednesday 25th March - 4.30pm - 7.30pm at the Digital Greenhouse
The Student Summit is part of the Digital Innovators Programme, looking at how technology is shaping our lives and future jobs, all driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is a chance to discuss the learning from the virtual lecture series, to challenge each other face-to-face and network with other students and professionals.
The headline speaker will be Prof. Daniel Brown, University College London.
Other speakers to be announced.
AI Hackathon
The third and final part of the Digital Innovators Programme is the AI Hackathon, where teams from different schools compete for prizes and glory.
The event is run by the Digital Greenhouse with leading experts from University College London and mentors from 1st Central. Teams are set a real-world tech challenge at the beginning of the day and as the clock ticks, you’ll have to brainstorm, design, and develop an AI application to solve that challenge. Present your best idea at the end of the day to win exciting prizes.
This event promises to be a day of creativity, collaboration, and competition.
Date: 22nd April
Location: Digital Greenhouse
Timings: Whole Day
Team size: 4-5 people per team
Prizes for the best projects
“We’re proud to power the Digital Greenhouse’s Digital Innovators Programme. Our students are the island’s future, so it’s important we provide them with opportunities to engage with digital technologies.”
John Davison, Chief Information Officer at 1st Central
AI Hackathon 2024 Winners - Elizabeth College
Prof. Dan Brown and a TGI student demoing 'Burgertroids' - a game built during the Student Summit event using Replit
