Leading expert to support the next wave of data and AI innovation

Director of Policy and Skills

Professor Ashmita Randhawa has been announced as the first ever Director of Policy and Skills for the National Innovation Centre for Data.
A biomedical engineer turned social scientist, Ashmita has also been appointed as Professor of Practice at Newcastle University.

She has spent the last two decades working in roles that span product development, academic research on skills, innovation, and technology adoption across various industries. Six years in corporate R&D at Procter & Gamble taught her how ideas survive in the real world and how to design to meet consumer needs. 

Following this, she pursued a DPhil at the University of Oxford, driven by a passion to help encourage more women towards STEM subjects. Following this, she moved to the North East to join Sunderland Software City, where she built innovation and skills programmes to continue to place the North East on the technology map. 

On her appointment, Professor Randhawa said

'I'm incredibly excited to be joining the National Innovation Centre for Data as the Director for Policy and Skills. It comes at an important moment: with the region's AI Growth Zone and the growing opportunities for AI nationally and internationally creating a momentum like never before.

 

'This, however, can only be translated to growth if organisations (from the smallest to the large) and communities across the region have the skills and confidence to use these technologies well; which is what the National Innovation Centre for Data exists to do.

 

'Having worked closely with the team for the last few years, this feels like a brilliant opportunity to build on a deep relationship to create some exciting opportunities.'

Established in 2017 with joint funding from Newcastle University and the UK Government, the National Innovation Centre for Data helps organisations turn data and AI into practical value.

From its base in the Newcastle Helix innovation district, the team works with businesses, public sector bodies and charities across the UK to improve services, develop new products and build lasting capability.

Professor Randhawa’s appointment will strengthen the National Innovation Centre for Data's focus on the people, skills and policies needed to ensure that advances in AI translate into inclusive growth and meaningful benefits for organisations and communities.

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