Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) has launched the Venture AI Innovators Challenge, a new competition designed to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence to solve real-world business challenges, during a high profile Wales Week London parliamentary reception.
Delivered in collaboration with Tramshed Tech, the Venture AI Innovators Challenge will support apprentices, graduates and early-career professionals who have taken part in CCR funded skills programmes to develop practical, ethical AI solutions that deliver measurable impact for their employers.
The challenge invites participants to design and prototype AI‑powered solutions addressing genuine operational issues across key growth sectors including digital and data, advanced manufacturing, creative industries and net zero initiatives.
The winning project will be fast‑tracked into CCR’s AI Enable Programme, helping to turn proof‑of‑concept ideas into scalable and deployable solutions, with the prize package of a £1,000 innovation voucher for the winner’s organisation to invest in software or training, £1,500 in career development mentoring for the winner and Amazon vouchers of £250 for the winner and £100 each for the two runners‑up.
Kellie Beirne, CCR’s Chief Executive, said:
“The Venture AI Innovators Challenge is about putting talent, technology and opportunity together. We know in South East Wales we have incredible emerging talent and this competition gives them the platform to apply AI in a practical, responsible way that delivers real value for businesses and communities.
“Launching this initiative during Wales Week London sends a clear message, CCR is serious about developing future‑ready skills and positioning our region at the forefront of applied AI innovation on the UK and international stage.”
Participants will receive mentoring from industry experts, access to technical resources and the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of employers, innovation leaders and investors.
The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Tramshed Tech, which will support the delivery of the competition and provide expertise from its digital, startup and innovation networks.
Jack Mayers, Head of Skills, Tramshed Tech, said:
“Our region’s greatest strength lies in the talent, curiosity and ambition of our people. Early career professionals are central to that strength, bringing fresh thinking, creative problem-solving and the confidence to challenge convention in ways that unlock entirely new possibilities.
“The partnership between Cardiff Capital Region and Tramshed Tech demonstrates what coordinated regional action can achieve, creating the conditions for innovation, talent and industry to thrive side by side.
“The Venture AI Innovators Challenge provides a powerful platform for emerging professionals to apply their skills to real organisational challenges, showcase their ability to innovate and contribute meaningfully to the growth and long-term competitiveness of our region from the very start of their careers.”
Parliamentary Under‑Secretary of State for AI and Online Safety and MP for Vale of Glamorgan, Kanishka Narayan, added:
“Wales is rapidly becoming a real powerhouse for AI innovation, with the South Wales AI Growth Zone set to create thousands of jobs and attract billions in investment. Initiatives like the Venture AI Innovators Challenge show exactly how we keep this momentum going – backing homegrown talent to build practical, responsible AI that boost productivity and sparks new opportunities across the region.
“We’re determined to make the UK the fastest AI-adopting nation in the G7, and that means making sure people everywhere have the skills and support to benefit. By investing in early-career talent here in South East Wales, CCR is helping connect the industries of the future with the workforce of tomorrow.”
Applications for the Venture AI Innovators Challenge will open shortly with the competition set to begin in early spring 2026. For more information about the Venture AI Innovators Challenge and CCR’s skills and innovation programmes visit www.cardiffcapitalregion.wales.
