Devon AI Summit Brought Businesses Together to Explore the Future of AI
How AI is Changing Devon Businesses Right Now
On 10 July 2025, the University of Exeter hosted the Devon AI Summit, bringing together leaders from across the region to explore AI in Devon businesses, what’s working, what’s worrying, and where we go next.
Cosmic CEO Julie Hawker joined the speaker line-up alongside Amazon Web Services, Devon County Council, and local innovators like Barr Media and Data Cubed. Joining Julie at the summit were Adrian Vince, Digital Skills Trainer, and Chloe Penfold, Delivery Manager – Restart. Together, they represented Cosmic’s commitment to responsible innovation and digital inclusion. Their presence highlighted Cosmic’s practical experience in supporting organisations to adopt AI technologies in ways that are secure, ethical, and human-centred.
Why We Spoke Up
Julie was keen to speak at the summit to share Cosmic’s major experiences from working with thousands of businesses, charities, and individuals in 2025. Her insights reflected both the opportunities and the urgent challenges AI brings to our region.
She focused particularly on the ethical concerns surrounding AI’s rapid rollout, often happening without full consideration of security, data and privacy risks. Julie also urged employers to begin planning now for the displacement of jobs, especially roles held by women.
“Jobs held by women are three times more likely to be impacted by AI,” Julie shared. “We can’t afford to ignore the risks while chasing short-term gains.”
Julie added:
“Too many businesses and organisations in the public and charity sectors are racing to find their AI solutions based purely on cost-and-time saving drivers. We need to switch the narrative to incorporate more security and ethical considerations for today’s challenges and begin the long-overdue analysis of job displacement and how this will impact the workforce, particularly women.”
Key Takeaways from the Day
AI is already disrupting how we work – Professor Mark Thompson and AWS’s Andrew Proctor made it clear: AI isn’t futuristic. It’s here. And success depends not on platforms, but on people and planning.
Local businesses are experimenting and learning fast – In a session chaired by the Devon and Exeter Chamber, speakers from FiftyMinds, Barr Media and Data Cubed showcased real-life AI projects, from smarter customer tools to mental health support platforms.
Skills matter more than ever – Phill Adams from Devon County Council stressed the need for digital confidence across the workforce. Julie followed up with a reminder that AI adoption must start with training, trust and inclusion.
What Our Team Learned
Adrian and Chloe brought back 3 takeaways you can apply today:
Don’t start with the tech. Start with a real problem and then look at how AI can help.
Make space for your team to explore AI safely. Lead the learning.
Read the small print. Understand where your data goes, who sees it, and what it’s used for.
Final Thoughts: Devon’s AI Future
Cosmic remains committed to supporting ethical digital transformation throughout the South West. Events like the Devon AI Summit allow us to bring that mission into wider conversations, alongside other values-driven organisations and thought leaders. The summit made one thing clear: AI in Devon businesses isn’t just a tech trend. It’s a human challenge and one we need to approach with care, courage and collaboration.
Need help navigating AI in your business?
Whether you’re exploring automation, upskilling your team, or just starting to think about ethical AI, Cosmic is here to help. We work with businesses, charities and organisations across Devon to build confidence and clarity around digital change.
Get in touch with our team today and let’s shape your AI journey together.
