Durham University and Microsoft to open AI skills hub in October

The AI Skills Centre of Excellence will support students, staff, employers, and public-sector workers across the North East.

Durham University and Microsoft will open an AI Skills Centre of Excellence in October to support students, staff, employers, and public-sector workers across the North East

Durham University and Microsoft will open an AI Skills Centre of Excellence in October, creating a hub for students, staff, employers, and public-sector workers to build practical AI skills.

The partnership was announced at London Tech Week 2026 by Darren Hardman, Corporate Vice President and CEO of Microsoft UK and Ireland. Durham University said the center will focus on AI skills, education, employment, and regional opportunity.

The AI Skills Centre of Excellence will be based at Durham University and is being positioned as a first-of-its-kind hub. It will support the university community and wider organizations across the North East.

The center will bring together AI expertise, tools, and support to help people develop confidence using AI in practical, responsible, and inclusive ways.

The partnership also connects to Durham University’s role in supporting the North East AI Growth Zone, alongside organizations including Durham County Council and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.

AI skills for students and staff

Durham University said the AI Skills Centre of Excellence will support students to develop skills valued by employers and help staff use AI in teaching, research, and working practices.

The university said the focus is on people as well as technology, with AI skills support designed to be accessible, inclusive, and relevant to work and study.

Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University, said in a LinkedIn post that the center will support "students, staff, employers and workers across the region."

She added that the center’s focus is "not just on technology, but on people, supporting them to develop skills and engage with AI in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and relevant to their employment and lives."

Durham University said the center will also create opportunities for wider communities, including businesses and the public sector.

North East AI Growth Zone

The partnership builds on regional work linked to the North East AI Growth Zone. Durham University said the AI Skills Centre of Excellence will contribute by helping to develop talent, support businesses and public-sector organizations, and widen access to AI opportunities.

The university is working with partners including Durham County Council and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority on skills, opportunity, and growth across the region.

The center is intended to support a coordinated university-wide approach to AI, bringing together learning, expertise, and practical application.

Durham University said working with Microsoft will also connect the university to wider efforts to develop AI capability and skills across the UK.

Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK and Ireland, said at London Tech Week 2026: "Perhaps nowhere is this transformation more visible than in higher education. When I visit universities across the UK, what strikes me is how quickly students are already adapting to this new world of Al-enabled work.

“For instance, Durham University is helping strengthen the UK's Al ecosystem through advanced computing, Al research and digital skills development. Together, we are creating a new Al Skills Centre of Excellence - a first-of-its-kind hub opening this October to support students, staff, employers and public sector workers across the region."

Longer-term AI program

Durham University said the announcement marks the start of a longer-term program of activity. Further details will be shared as plans for the AI Skills Centre of Excellence develop.

The university said future updates will include opportunities for staff, students, and partners to engage with the center.

The AI Skills Centre of Excellence is scheduled to open in October, with Durham University and Microsoft expected to share more details before the hub begins supporting students, staff, employers, and public-sector workers.