Innovate UK Project No: 10194426

The Northeast AI Buddy Framework

Democratising AI Fluency for Regional SME Productivity.

About The Project

Commencing on 1 July 2026, our six-month feasibility pilot addresses a critical gap: generic classroom training models fail SMEs. Businesses need hands-on workflow integration, not theory.

Buddy-Driven Model

We connect local digital talent directly to regional SME tech workflows. It's about bottom-up transmission matching the right talent with the right firm.

Reverse Mentoring

Digital Reverse Mentoring (DRM) pairs an AI Buddy with a Mentee to tackle real business pain points, creating applied, live AI workflows.

Safe Implementation

Strict adherence to enterprise-grade tools with signed Data Processing Agreements. We eliminate the risks associated with unstructured 'Shadow AI'.

Our Two-Phase Delivery Blueprint

A

Validation & Matching

Months 1 - 4

  • Hosted at the TriBeCa Hub
  • Intensive mapping of operational pain points
  • NLP Dashboard pairs Buddies with SMEs
B

Workplace Implementation

Months 5 - 6

  • 10 chosen SMEs begin direct collaboration
  • 2-month intensive integration period
  • Building and deploying live solutions

About Us

We are a dedicated team focused on shifting regional workforces from AI 'Novices' to 'Champions'. By addressing the digital readiness gap today, we proactively future-proof our local economy.

Our ultimate mission is to create an ecosystem of continuous, peer-led learning. We are deeply committed to our local community, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge, not a barrier.

Regional Employment

Targeting the creation of 20 permanent AI-enabled roles within the local ecosystem.

Diversity & Inclusion

Proudly striving for a 50% gender parity target in tech pathways and placements.

Our Partners

We are incredibly proud to collaborate with a fantastic network of partners to bring this vision to life.

Kerckhoffs
Bydaybreak Solutions
Sunderland Community Soup Kitchen
Funded by UK Government
TechFirst

Get Involved

Interested in becoming a Buddy, partnering your SME with us, or learning more about the framework? Reach out to our project leaders directly.

Dr Selvakumar Ramachandran

FBCS FRSA

Kerckhoffs

sr@kerckhoffs.co.uk

Richard Wilson

 

Bydaybreak Solutions

rich@bydaybreak.com