AI Digital Catalyst

A collaborative initiative designed to help Westmorland businesses gain competitive edge through digital innovation

Westmorland and Furness partner logos which include: Funded by UK Government, Levelling Up and Westmorland and Furness Council

About the AI Digital Catalyst

Are you a forward-thinking leader looking to gain competitive advantage through digital technology?

This initiative is designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to gain a competitive edge through digital innovation. An initial strategy workshop delivered by our academic experts is followed by embarking on an individual digital technology-based project with a student dedicated to your business. With the additional support of a dynamic peer network at touchpoints throughout the projects, the initiative helps business leaders' future-proof their organisations and confidently adopt new technology.

Designed for senior decision makers from established Westmorland small to medium enterprises (SMEs) from all sectors.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The AI Digital Catalyst is delivered by Lancaster University as part of the Cumbria Accelerator Business Growth & Innovation programme in partnership with Enterprising Cumbria. The ‘Cumbria Accelerator: Business Growth & Innovation’ Programme offers SMEs and pre-start entrepreneurs assistance and consultancy and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This is being administered by Westmorland & Furness Council and led by Enterprising Cumbria.

Start Date: 8th October 2025

Apply for the AI Digital Catalyst using our online application form

Apply now

What's involved?

The AI Digital Catalyst consists of a series of scheduled and focused meetings between businesses, academics and students over the course of 5 months (Oct- Feb) to identify and progress project plans. There will be a requirement to liaise online with a Master’s student working on your project between January and February, with dates to be arranged independently.

Strategic alignment

Our academic experts will work with you to gain strategic clarity by building a clear vision of your business’s future using proven scenario planning methods using practical AI tools.

Expert guidance

Our LU experts will help you to identify a digital/ AI project tailored to your business needs.

Dedicated support

You will have access to a Masters level student resource from January – February 2026. The students will undertake a digital innovation project exploring how new technologies can improve your operations, create customer value and transform your business.

Dynamic peer network

The collective intelligence created by engaging with like-minded business leaders will enable you to unlock deeper strategic value for your individual projects.

Benefits to business

The design of the Catalyst draws on our extensive expertise and success over the past 20 years in facilitating business change and transformation. You will have access to university expertise and be introduced to further opportunities for future collaboration.

Stay ahead

Identify market trends and adapt before your competitors do

Accelerated innovation and growth opportunities

With a clearer view of how digital solutions can drive change.

Smarter operations

Automate routine tasks, enhance internal processes - boosting overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Capacity for change

Forward thinking mindset for continued momentum in adopting new technologies.

Dr Andreas Strobl, Lancaster University Management School

"The future is unknown and hardly ever plays out as we have imagined it! Scenario thinking helps to reduce the future’s uncertainty and complexity and prepare your business by mapping out plausible alternative futures and develop Strategic Foresight. However, powerful scenarios are based on strong evidence and entrepreneurs and managers often don’t have the time and resources to gather and analyse appropriate data. The rise of generative AI software such as Chat GPT provides us with promising tools to overcome such problems. At LUMS we strive to support small business leaders in developing Strategic Foresight through generative AI and to navigate the risks and pitfalls along the way.''

Costs & Eligibility

The AI Digital Catalyst is fully funded and available to SME businesses who are eligible under the Shared Prosperity Funding criteria, as follows:

SME based in Westmorland & Furness council local authority district
Received less than £315,000 of subsidies in the last 3 years

Find out more about how and why Lancaster University and our funding bodies holds your information.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus