Closing date

Please note that application is now closed. 

The AI UK 2025 call for demonstrations is open exclusively to external applicants. Internal content for AI UK 2025 demonstrations will be curated through a process guided by the Science & Innovation leadership, ensuring alignment with the goals of Turing 2.0.

The Alan Turing Institute's national showcase of data science and artificial intelligence, AI UK, is back again in 2025. AI UK at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre (QEII) will feature a large indoor exhibition of hands-on scientific demonstrations alongside thought-provoking sessions, workshops and networking opportunities. The exhibition will demonstrate the best in innovation across the ecosystem, providing engaging and interactive moments for AI UK attendees to connect, share and learn. 

We encourage applications from any disciplinary background; however, submissions should be aligned with The Alan Turing Institute’s vision for the future by falling within one or more of the following three categories, which are in line with its Grand Challenge focuses:

The exhibitions can take the shape of a live interactive demonstration, a lab or exhibit, an audio-visual demonstration or any combination of these. Most importantly, they must showcase AI research and innovation in action. Please note that this call is not for research presentations.

All successful applicants will be entitled to three in-person tickets (one lead demonstrator and two team members) for their expo stand at AI UK 2025. 

AI UK 2025: Call for demonstrations - application form hosted on Flexigrant

Key dates

  • Tuesday 08 October 2024: Call for submission opens
  • Tuesday 12 November 2024 (12:00 GMT): Call for submission closes
  • w/c Monday 02 December 2024: Notifications of successful applications
  • Friday 07 March 2025: Expo stand finalised

Cost

There will be 35 demonstrator slots available at AI UK 2025 and demonstrators will be able to select from the following packages:

  • Package A is £1,200 plus VAT
  • Package B is £2,500 plus VAT

Detailed package information is available on the package and cost information section below.

Key information at a glance

Purpose

The Alan Turing Institute is delighted to bring together the country’s data science and AI community in person at AI UK 2025 and host an exhibition of hands-on scientific demonstrations. A demonstration could be physical or digital and be presented in many different formats—for example, as a game, live demonstration or interactive software. We encourage innovative proposals.

The exhibition will complement the stage programme, presenting the best in UK AI research and innovation. The exhibition aims to inspire and connect the research and innovation ecosystem while providing engaging and interactive moments to connect, share and learn.

Scope

AI UK will feature a dedicated exhibition and networking space in which demonstrations will be available to attendees throughout the event: this will be an opportunity to present your work and engage with AI UK attendees.

Your demonstration can take the shape of a live interactive demo, a lab or exhibit, an audio-visual demonstration, or any combination of these. All proposals must be stand-based and fit into a space of 2m x 2m or a space of 3m x 2m, depending on the package for which you opt. We encourage a diverse range of demonstrations on AI in action and encourage applicants to ensure they fulfil the brief of showcasing AI research and innovation in action. Demonstrations must also align in subject with The Alan Turing Institute’s vision for the future across one or more of the Institute’s Grand Challenges and areas of work:

If you’re not sure whether your proposal will fit into the scope of this call, please contact us at [email protected].

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

The Institute’s mission is to make leaps in AI and data science to change the world for the better. We recognise that to make such great advancements we need to accurately reflect the world’s diverse composition and build an inclusive community. Successful proposals should align with the Turing’s EDI Strategy and uphold our values as well as our commitment to achieving equality, diversity and inclusion across all activities.

We are particularly interested to hear from applicants who consider themselves to be part of a group who are traditionally underrepresented in data science and AI.

Reasonable Adjustments

We recognise that there may be individual circumstances that we need to be aware of and will make reasonable adjustments required to support individuals during the application process and demonstration. You may already know what adjustments you require or may like to have a confidential discussion around your options.

To discuss an adjustment to the application process, please contact our team directly at [email protected]. There is also a section on the application form where applicants may make us aware of individual circumstances.

If there is information relevant to your application that we may need to consider when facilitating the review of your application, please contact us to discuss. Where possible, this should be done early in the process or updated as and when circumstances change.

We will treat any information you disclose to us as sensitive and will handle it in line with the Data Protection Act 2018. You can find more information about how we handle your personal data in our Transparency notice. Information will only be used to arrange reasonable adjustments and will not be used to assess your application.

Eligibility and criteria

Eligibility

Submissions must be based on research excellence and are welcome from anyone operating professionally in the UK’s data science and/or AI research and innovation ecosystem – whether that’s industry, academia, public sector or civil society. Please note that this call is not for research presentations.

Criteria

Space is limited at the event and we do not expect to be able to accept all proposals. Applications will go through a rigorous review process and will be reviewed against the following criteria:

  1. Novelty of approach: Does this proposal demonstrate a new idea or a new approach to an existing idea or data?

  2. Community: Is it likely to be of interest to the artificial intelligence or data science ecosystem in an inclusive way?

  3. Utility: How beneficial is the research or the demonstration is to society as a whole? 

  4. Values: How does this proposal demonstrate their commitment to Turing values? 

  5. Scientific robustness: How does this proposal demonstrate their reliable and consistent research results? Did they achieve it through rigorous methods and reproducibility? 

  6. Interactive and hands-on elements: How does this proposal include their plan to display interactive, hands-on elements that allow visitors to touch/try them to better understand the scientific concepts?

The review panel will consider the breadth of submissions across scientific themes to ensure the exhibition is cross-disciplinary.

Packages and costs

There will be 35 demonstrator slots available at AI UK 2025 and demonstrators will be able to select from the following packages:

Package A (cost: £1,200 plus VAT)

Package A will be this year's entry package for demonstrators. Stands will be placed in areas of the building with high footfall. 

Stand visual for Package A - AI UK 2025 demonstrations

Stand specifications: 

  • 3m (W) X 2.5m (H) custom branded printed canvas

  • 2m x 2m floor space for demonstration, showcases and activations 

  • 40" 4K UHD TV

  • 6ft trestle table with table cover (black)

  • 2 chairs 

  • Package price covers the crewing and logistics of stand construction and de-rig 

*Backdrop for illustration purposes. Package includes a custom printed backdrop
** Demonstrators are responsible for the design and supply of exhibit specific artwork (in line with the AI UK standardised branding) for their stands. Artwork files will need to be provided in the correct format for printing but templates will be provided

Package B (cost: £2,500 plus VAT)

Package B will be this year's premium package for demonstrators. Stands will be places in areas of the building with high footfall. 

Stand visual for Package B -AI UK 2025 demonstrations

Stand specifications:

  • 3m (W) x 2.5 (H) LED lightbox with custom branded printed canvas 

  • Prime position for footfall

  • 3m x 2m floor space for demonstration, showcases and or activations

  • 40” 4K UHD TV

  • Branded high table (white)

  • 1 high stool (white)

  • Package price covers the crewing and logistics of stand construction and de-rig 

* Backdrop for illustration purposes. Package includes a custom printed backdrop

** Demonstrators are responsible for the design and supply of exhibit specific artwork (in line with the AI UK standardised branding) for their stands. Artwork files will need to be provided in the correct format for printing but templates will be provided  

If your application to demonstrate at AI UK is accepted, you will be responsible for:

  • Covering the cost of the preferred stand package
  • Covering the cost of artwork management
  • Liaising with the selected third-party AI UK event partner, Event Concept, in hiring and arranging any additional preferred furniture, fixtures and branded materials
  • Arrangement and all expenses of shipping materials, equipment and other items to the venue by the timeline provided
  • Staff expenses i.e. travel arrangements such as hotel and transport

The Alan Turing Institute will supply Wi-Fi and standard power (each stand will be provided with a 4-way 13amp power).

Venue and expo set up information

If you would like to ask any questions about accessing the event space before the event, please email [email protected].

For general venue specifications and information on health and safety—including sustainability procedures—please visit the QEII Centre website. Please note that all demonstrations will require a completed risk assessment prior to the event: see this example by the Health and Safety Executive.

Further information, advice and guidance on the above and expo set up information will be provided upon confirmation that your application has been accepted.

Application questions

Before starting your application

Please ensure that you have read the following:

Notes about the application platform

  • All applications must be submitted via Flexigrant platform

  • At any stage in the application process, you can save your work and return to it later. 

  • The questions and sections can be completed in any order.

  • Once every page of the application is marked as 'Complete', a 'Submit application' button will become available at the bottom of this summary page.

  • You must click "Submit application' for your application to be considered.

  • Once your application has been submitted, you will be able to view your application and its current status but you will NOT be able to modify it. 

Application questions 

The details required on the application are:

  1. Proposed title of demonstration (70 characters)*
  2. Name and institution of partners involved 
  3. Summary of your demonstration (50 words)*
  4. Overview of the scientific content and background of your research (300 words)*
  5. How it links to The Alan Turing Institute’s Grand Challenges and areas of work
  6. How visitors can explore your demonstrations in a ‘hands-on’ manner (150 words)
  7. How the demonstration aligns to the Turing's EDI values and how it will be inclusive and accessible (150 words)
  8. How the demonstration will draw interest (300 words) 
  9. Relevant links (content or journals or organisation websites)*
  10. If selected, how will you finance your demonstration stand? (100 words)
  11. If selected, which demonstration stand package you would like to book? 
  12. Supporting statement 
  13. Where did you hear about this opportunity? 

*Please read the next section for further details on website listing guidance

Website listing

If successful, the details you provide for the questions marked with asterisks (*) will be used to write your listing on the AI UK website. 

 

Please note:

  • Maximum title character count (with spaces): 70 characters
  • Maximum word count for summary of your demonstration: 50 words
  • If you’d like your website/s and any social media accounts linked, please make sure to include the URLs to those clearly in your application. Please note that it is not guaranteed that all of these will be linked to, but the team will make every effort to ensure they are

Important note: the demonstration stand summaries will be edited for the AI UK website for clarity, length and tone

FAQ page

Do I have to create a Flexigrant account to submit my application to be a demonstrator at AI UK 2025?

You will need to register with Flexigrant to access the application form. Registration should take no more than one minute.

What types of demonstration is this call for?

This call is for scientific demonstrations that promote two-way engagement with an in-person audience, showcasing innovation in AI research. They could be physical or digital demonstrations, or even artwork showcasing your AI research application and innovation, but they should be designed to create an engagement with an in-person audience via an exhibition format. Your demonstration should inspire discussion, have robust scientific provenance and be accessible for attendees.

What types of demonstration won’t be successful?

The following activities are NOT RELEVANT for this call:

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Academic workshops
  • Commercial product expos
  • Blogs and articles

What are underrepresented groups?

‘Underrepresented groups’ is a term used to describe people or groups of people who are inadequately represented within a field. In data science and AI, this includes but is not limited to women and girls, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people from lower income households, people with a physical or mental disability, those from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Can I apply from a non-UK university?

AI UK is a showcase of the best research and innovation in the UK. We understand research innovations and collaborations can often be international in nature and we can consider proposals that can include non-UK institutions.

Can I deliver a virtual demonstration?

AI UK 2025 is an in-person event, with stage live-streams. However, we will not be hosting an online exhibition.