World-renowned researchers from University College London (UCL) and the Royal College of Art (RCA) are joining forces to launch a new Centre for Creative AI.
Bringing together leading universities and global businesses, the centre will explore bold, innovative uses of AI across entertainment, media, fashion, music and art.
Developed in partnership with generative marketing firm The Brandtech Group, the initiative will be chaired by outgoing Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon and backed by major players including Diageo, Unilever, Runway, Snap, AI law firm Cooley and the Design Museum.
Its goal is to spotlight the creative potential of AI while encouraging the development of commercially viable and exciting projects.
The centre will connect companies with talented students and alumni from top universities, fuelling fresh ideas, creative challenges and learning opportunities to deepen understanding of AI’s role in the creative industries.
It will draw on the expertise of The UCL Centre for AI, UCL Arts and Sciences, and RCA students working at the crossroads of arts, science and technology.
UCL, which was recently awarded two Nobel Prizes for its work in AI, remains a key global player in AI research.
Guided by an advisory council of business and academic leaders, the centre will be governed by a board of directors chaired by Mahon, while all profits will be reinvested to support its mission.
“Gen AI is sparking the greatest creative revolution in history, in my opinion,” said Brandtech Group founder and CEO, David Jones. “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ AI will be more creative than humans, it’s just when.
“What a lot of people don’t realise is Gen AI is not a ‘tool’, it’s an intelligence and it will augment human creativity to incredible levels, shaping completely new forms of creativity. We are delighted to have been involved in the CCAI’s inception.”
Mahon added: “Gen AI is a powerful new frontier for creativity, but its true potential lies in how we choose to use it.
“With curiosity, integrity and imagination, we can shape tools that don’t replace artists, but empower them.
“This is a moment for the UK to lead, blending emerging technology with our world-renowned creative spirit.”