AI in Practice: From Research to Real-World Impact

​📣 Event Announcement! We are delighted to invite you to the inaugural Innovators Guild x University of Sheffield event.

AI in Practice: From Research to Real-World Impact

This first university collaboration is built around a simple idea: the most interesting work in AI is not just happening in computer science. It is happening in materials, energy, biomedical research, and across the wider engineering world, where AI and ML are being used to solve real problems in real organisations.

We have shaped the session to be broad enough to bring in researchers from across disciplines, while still staying close to industry application. The aim is to create a conversation that feels relevant to PGRs, academics, and technical practitioners alike.

Sergei Irisov from ZeroAvia will lead the deep talk, focusing on practical steps for implementing AI in companies, including hybrid cloud, on-prem solutions, and building audit-ready environments.

Vladimir Lebedev will give the shorter piece, drawing on nine years of digital transformation in mining and covering real-world computer vision applications such as collision prevention for underground vehicles, loader operations tracking, and continuous flotation process analysis.

The event will also include structured networking, giving attendees time to speak with researchers, engineers, and technical founders from across the Sheffield and wider Innovators Guild community.

Date: 2 June 2026
Time: 13:00 to 16:00
Venue: University of Sheffield campus

We look forward to seeing you there!