The Crown Estate harnesses Gen Z ingenuity to drive AI powered sustainable energy solutions

By: Chloe Emanuel

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11/07/2024 The Crown Estate

In a bid to generate 50% of the UK’s energy from the seabed by 2050, The Crown Estate has turned to Generation Z for innovative and sustainable AI solutions.

On Saturday, 6th July, over 50 participants gathered at The Crown Estate’s offices in London for a hackathon organised in collaboration with “AI first” education provider Inversity. The event saw 14 teams, predominantly composed of A-level computer science students, as well as non-profit workers and military veterans, pitch their AI-powered software solutions to an expert panel.


The judging panel featured prominent figures such as Sam Miller, Director of the Google DeepMind Impact Accelerator, Jess Furness, UK Director of Rewriting the Code, Cheryl Avery, The Crown Estate’s Head of Marine Operations, and Dr. James Kuht, CEO of Inversity.


The hackathon culminated in the victory of a team from Worcester Sixth Form College, awarded £1,000 for their app that informs the public about local offshore developments. Outstanding participants were also offered internships within The Crown Estate’s Marine and Digital departments.


Cheryl Avery emphasised the importance of innovative approaches to achieving net-zero emissions, highlighting the hackathon’s role in nurturing diverse talent. Aruj Haider, The Crown Estate’s Senior Director of Emerging Technology and Innovation, praised the event for showcasing how technology can revolutionise the UK’s energy system.


Dr. James Kuht and Jess Furness echoed the sentiment, noting the impressive display of talent and the potential for scalable, impactful solutions developed during the hackathon.


The event underscores The Crown Estate’s commitment to integrating fresh perspectives and cutting-edge technology in its quest for sustainable energy.



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About the Author

4C Offshore | Chloe Emanuel