Combining UCL’s research excellence and Amazon’s dynamic innovation methodologies and platforms, the centre’s core activity is to run a supportive and comprehensive Digital Innovation Programme.  

The programme is designed to incorporate the strengths of both organisations to accelerate innovations in Healthcare and Education. UCL and AWS will aid the development of evidence- based commercially sustainable technologies that demonstrate real-world benefit and impact. 

Centre mission statement

At the UCL Centre for Digital Innovation powered by AWS, our mission is to accelerate responsible digital innovation pathways for prominent academics and pioneering entrepreneurs, catalysing positive social change through the creation of impactful solutions that drive societal progress and address pressing global challenges.”““UCL and AWS joined forces to build innovative digital solutions to the world’s problems in healthcare and education. The UCL Centre for Digital Innovation powered by AWS will lead us to solutions that are evidence based, commercially sustainable and focus on the needs of the world’s citizens.”“UCL and AWS joined forces to build innovative digital solutions to the world’s problems in healthcare and education. The UCL Centre for Digital Innovation powered by AWS will lead us to solutions that are evidence based, commercially sustainable and focus on the needs of the world’s citizens.”

Our approach

Born out of a joint initiative between UCL Faculty of Engineering, the Department of Computer Science, the UCL Centre for Advanced Research Computing and AWS UK Public Sector, the UCL Centre for Digital Innovation (UCL CDI) powered by AWS was launched in April 2022. Our foundation rests on shared leadership principles from UCL and AWS, rooted in a firm commitment to fostering a positive societal impact and prioritising customer-centric values.

Collaboration is in our DNA. Whether we're addressing industry challenges through our CDI Challenges or facilitating the creation of digital solutions grounded in academic research, our approach always begins with a deep understanding of the specific needs within the public sector. This way of working fosters trust and underscores our commitment to creating technologies that have real-world impact. 

The synergy between our institutions empowers the UCL CDI to maximise education, research, innovation, and enterprise for humanity's long-term benefit. Combining UCL's research excellence with Amazon's dynamic innovation methodologies and platform, we deliver supportive and comprehensive digital programmes, that expedite the development of evidence-based commercially sustainable and impactful technologies, all the while cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem anchored in responsible digital innovation.

Our ethos

Why Responsible Digital Innovation is at the Core of UCL CDI Activities

Responsible digital innovation forms the very essence of UCL Centre for Digital Innovation. We believe in the transformative potential of digital technology to reshape industries, improve lives, and advance knowledge. However, we also recognise the profound implications it carries for society, ethics, and the environment. This understanding drives us to place responsible digital innovation at the forefront of everything we do.

How Responsible Digital Innovation Guides Our Activities

Responsible Foundations: We ensure that every digital innovation we embark upon adheres to the highest standards of responsibility.

Transparency and Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for the societal and environmental impact of our digital innovations.

Inclusive Design: We prioritize inclusive design practices to create technologies and solutions that are accessible and beneficial to everyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances.

Data Privacy and Security: We employ state-of-the-art data protection measures and robust security protocols to safeguard individuals' information and digital rights.

Environmental Responsibility: We actively seek sustainable solutions, reduce waste, and aim for eco-friendly practices throughout our innovation processes to minimize our ecological footprint. 

Community Engagement: We engage with diverse communities, seeking their input, insights, and feedback, ensuring that our innovations align with real-world needs and respect local cultures and values.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation: We remain vigilant and adaptable, continually learning and evolving our practices to meet evolving societal and technological demands.

Global Impact: We strive to address global challenges and collaborate with like-minded organizations to create a global network of responsible innovation.

Our principles

• Innovation thrives on solving real-world customer problems.
• Evidence breeds effective, enduring solutions.
• Nurture the next generation of problem solvers.
• Spotlight the synergy of industry-academia collaboration.