OpenAI calls on students to apply for first ever ChatGPT and Codex focused Campus Leads programme
OpenAI reports that it is opening applications for the first cohort of its global programme, Campus Leads. Students can apply to become a Campus Lead and help others gain confidence using ChatGPT and Codex while building projects together.
In a LinkedIn post, Leah Belsky, VP Education at OpenAI, said: "I’m especially excited that we’re looking for community builders, not only technical experts. Access to AI is only a starting point. If this technology is going to expand opportunity, students everywhere need the agency and skills to use it thoughtfully. To ask good questions, exercise judgment, solve meaningful problems, and create things that matter."
She added: "Campus Leads will create those spaces for peers. They’ll gather students across fields to learn and move from using ChatGPT to building with ChatGPT and Codex, through workshops, weekly building hours, and project showcases."
"Our team will work closely to set each Campus Lead up for success, offering them robust training in our tools, funding, swag, and access to a community of remarkable peers around the world. If this sounds like you - or a student you know - I hope you’ll apply or help us spread the word."
Ireland and Europe
OpenAI has selected Tropical Fruit Warehouse in Dublin as its new EU HQ. It says it will add 250 new jobs over the coming two years.
“This is an important milestone in our long-term commitment to Ireland and Europe,” said Emma Redmond, Head of OpenAI Ireland. “Our amazing local team of 100 people has made this possible, through continuous collaboration and innovation with our customers, users and developers. Our new EU HQ and continued investment will help ensure that the benefits of AI reach communities, businesses and institutions here and across the region.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI will be a key focus area at our sister title RTIH’s 2026 Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
The winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out the 2025 winners here.
The 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to the winners, and a big thank you to the sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended the 2025 gathering.
