School of Coding & AI opens £2.5 million tech lab in Birmingham, UK aiming to give all adults in the region free AI training

The School of Coding & AI, a digital skills provider based in Wolverhampton, UK, has unveiled a £2.5 million state-of-the-art facility in Birmingham aimed at increasing access to AI training.

Using a disused upper floor of the school’s Birmingham campus, which was opened in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton earlier this year, the facility offers AI labs, an interactive AI avatar, game design facilities, a podcast room, and an in-house research centre. 

Manny Athwal, School of Coding & AI founder and CEO, says: “Our core belief is that education should be accessible, inclusive, and empowering. This isn’t just about technology for technology’s sake. We’ve built more than classrooms – this is a space where students can experiment, innovate, and be inspired.”

The center aims to offer every adult in the region free training on everyday use of AI, with many of its students struggling with digital literacy and confidence. 

Jathin Babu Kante, centre manager, adds: “Our priority is to change the lives of our students. We don’t want them to just sit there, learn and go away. We want them to feel like they’re part of something bigger.

“We try to make their experience easier, not overwhelming. From laptops to published resources, we will provide them with the resources they need for them to have a better experience. Our vision is to build a world-class space that makes people say ‘wow’ the moment they walk in. If they don’t, we’re not delivering.”

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.

Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.

Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.

Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.