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London Business School Pioneers AI Integration in the UK

In a groundbreaking move for educational institutions in the UK, London Business School (LBS) has become the first business school in the country to deploy nebulaONE, a secure Generative AI Gateway developed by Cloudforce, utilizing Microsoft Azure's robust infrastructure. This innovative platform will not only enhance the learning environment but also support operational goals across the entire campus community, offering a dedicated space for AI models and agents.

From Vision to Reality

The journey began when LBS' Chief Digital and Information Officer, Danny Attias, connected with Cloudforce in December 2024, a relationship facilitated by UCLA's Anderson School of Management, which had already embraced the nebulaONE platform. The excitement generated during the initial meetings quickly developed into a commitment to transform LBS's approach to artificial intelligence. Within a mere two weeks, LBS transitioned from pilot tests to a full-scale deployment of their tailored GenAI platform, aptly branded as LBS AI, within their Microsoft Azure cloud ecosystem. This rapid implementation reflects LBS's dedication to maintaining privacy and security while harnessing the potential of AI.

The move comes amidst LBS’s exploration of various Generative AI solutions, including a pilot program featuring ChatGPT EDU licenses. The additional flexibility provided by Cloudforce’s platform is pivotal, allowing the school to transcend the limitations of traditional public options and create a more customized AI experience tailored to the educational environment.

Facilitating Seamless AI Access

From day one, LBS aimed to ensure that access to the LBS AI platform was straightforward and user-friendly. Immediate access for students, faculty, and staff was vital – there was no need for complicated training or onboarding processes, allowing users to dive straight into utilizing the AI tools. This approach not only enhances teaching and learning methods but also streamlines internal operations, fostering a more innovative atmosphere throughout the institution.

Security and privacy were top priorities for LBS. Attias noted that the platform’s operation within Microsoft’s secure cloud framework made it feasible for the institution to adopt this technology confidently, ensuring that they could leverage AI responsibly and effectively. Unlike less tailored public alternatives, nebulaONE provides schools with a value-based pricing model and extensive customization options, aligning perfectly with the institution's educational and operational needs.

Enhancing Educational Experiences

The success of the early implementation was evident through the Promptathon workshop held in April by Cloudforce, led by Husein Sharaf and Joey Poole. This event focused on enabling staff to craft prompts and create AI agents, ensuring that the education community at LBS could make the most of the newly available technology. The enthusiastic turnout underscored a shared eagerness to innovate and engage with AI in meaningful ways.

Building on this foundation of enthusiasm, LBS has embarked on a Development Partnership with Cloudforce. This collaboration allows the institution to provide input on the future development of nebulaONE, ensuring that it evolves to meet the needs of the educational community.

A Broader Impact on Higher Education

This partnership with Cloudforce marks a significant chapter in the quest for responsible and equitable AI integration within academia. The initiative has received widespread recognition, featured in a co-authored AI Innovation Guide by Microsoft and Cloudforce. This document shines a light on institutions like LBS and UCLA Anderson, which are at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies in higher education.

As more UK universities seek to implement secure and flexible AI platforms suited to modern learning environments, LBS stands as a pioneering example of how educational institutions can utilize cutting-edge technology responsibly. With ongoing support from the Microsoft Education team, including training and adoption resources, LBS AI is poised to empower users at all skill levels and foster a culture of innovation and learning within the institution.

To learn more about this revolutionary AI initiative, visit nebulaone.ai or follow London Business School and Cloudforce on LinkedIn.