East Midlands businesses and University of Leicester students to work together to thrive in AI-enabled economy
Brookfield, home of the School of Business.
East Midlands businesses and students from the University of Leicester will be equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy thanks to a new programme.
The East Midlands Pathways to AI Programme (EMPAIP) is a 45-month project to build a regional ecosystem connecting postgraduate talent with local employers, helping to close the AI skills gap, while accelerating business innovation across the region.
Led by the University of Leicester School of Business, EMPAIP will combine academic innovation, work-based learning, and employer development through three integrated pathways: a new postgraduate AI-focused business project based on real employer briefs; structured 6-week student internships; and an AI for Business Accelerator capability programme for local business leaders.
The programme has been funded by Innovate UK, the UK government’s innovation agency.
Professor Paul Baines, Head of Executive Education at the University of Leicester School of Business and project lead, said: “AI presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for businesses and individuals. Through EMPAIP, we are creating a practical pathway that brings together education, innovation and employer engagement, ensuring that East Midlands businesses have access to both the talent and expertise they need to succeed.”
Professor Xue Zhou, Dean of AI at the University of Leicester School of Business, said: “EMPAIP will equip our business students with the AI capabilities increasingly demanded by industry. Through an innovative approach to business education, students will work on authentic business challenges, learning how to design, develop and deploy AI agent solutions that address real organisational needs. The project also provides a six-week intensive internship experience, enabling students to collaborate directly with local businesses and gain valuable real-world experience.”
At the heart of the initiative is the introduction of a new AI Agentic Solutions in Business Project, a 60-credit practical module that offers postgraduate students an alternative to the traditional dissertation. The programme will enable students to work on real-world organisational challenges while developing expertise in AI problem-solving, workflow redesign, and responsible AI deployment. Around 180 students each year are expected to benefit from the enhanced curriculum.
To strengthen links between education and employment, EMPAIP will also create 180 AI-focused internships over the life of the project. Students will gain hands-on experience working with regional organisations, while employers will benefit from fresh AI insights and practical support in exploring new technologies.
Alongside student development, the programme will support businesses through a six-week AI for Business Accelerator. Offered free to SMEs during the funded period, the programme will help business leaders identify AI opportunities, manage AI projects, supervise interns, and implement AI responsibly within their organisations.
The initiative directly responds to priorities identified in Local Skills Improvement Plans across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, where digital and AI capability gaps continue to constrain growth and productivity. By supporting both talent development and employer readiness, the programme aims to strengthen the region’s long-term competitiveness and create a sustainable pipeline of AI-enabled professionals.