Unlock Innovation with Our Nurture Programme 

Marie May • May 7, 2025

Our award-winning educational programme is a unique opportunity for businesses to leverage fresh talent in Data Science, AI, and IoT 

Are you looking for innovative solutions to your business challenges while also contributing to the development of the next generation of data scientists, AI specialists, and IoT innovators? Our Nurture Programme offers businesses a unique opportunity to collaborate with bright MSc students from universities, giving you access to fresh talent, cutting-edge research, and hands-on expertise – all at a low financial cost. 

The Nurture Programme is a 12-week initiative designed to provide MSc students in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) with real-world, hands-on experience . These students work on live projects provided by participating businesses, applying their technical expertise to real business problems. 

By participating in the Nurture Programme , your business gains direct access to talented individuals eager to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges . Here’s how your organisation can benefit: 


Innovative Solutions at Low Cost 

Get fresh perspectives and cutting-edge solutions to your data, AI, and IoT challenges. Our students work on real business problems, offering creative and research-backed approaches, without the financial commitment of hiring a consultant. 


Tackle Business Challenges with Data-Driven Insights 

Struggling with data analysis, automation, or predictive modelling? Our MSc students bring their expertise in AI, machine learning, big data, and IoT to help your business make smarter, data-driven decisions


Test New Ideas with Minimal Risk 

Have an idea for an AI-driven tool, a data analytics model, or an IoT application but don’t have the time or resources to test it? Let our students develop and prototype innovative solutions without impacting your operational resources


Access to Emerging Talent 

This programme allows you to identify and engage with top-tier future professionals. If you’re looking for skilled graduates, this is an ideal way to assess potential candidates before they enter the job market. 


Strengthen Your Industry-Academic Links 

Build strong partnerships with universities and shape the next generation of tech professionals. Your involvement in the Nurture Programme positions your business as a leader in fostering talent and innovation. 


  1. Define Your Project – We work with you to scope a suitable project that aligns with your business needs. 
  2. Review and Shortlist Candidates – You will receive access to a dedicated client portal where you can view student profiles, recorded interviews, and completed application forms based on your project scope. This allows you to review and create a shortlist of students you’d like to interview for your project. 
  3. Live Project – After conducting the interviews, you select your preferred student/s, and they are assigned to your project, working under the guidance of both academic supervisors and your internal team. 
  4. 12 Weeks of Innovation – Over the course of 12 weeks, students conduct research, develop solutions, and deliver actionable insights.  
  5. Final Presentation & Business Impact – The students present their findings, prototypes, or models, ensuring that you walk away with real, applicable results.


Nurture students on placement

Third Space Learning

Now is the time to take advantage of this low-cost, high-value opportunity to solve pressing business problems while supporting the next generation of data and AI professionals.  There is a £500 Participation Fee per Student. Should the company hire the student after the project has been completed, they will be charged a flat fee of £4000

Needs some inspiration, check out just a few of our case studies:

 

Predicting Customer Satisfaction  with Onward Homes 

Chatbot - Customer Focussed with National Highways 

Evaluating Complaints with Notting Hill Genesis 

Forecasting Service Demand with Cheshire West & Chester 

Determining the Value with Stagecoach

Multiple Projects with Haringey Council


Retail – AI-powered chatbots, dynamic pricing, fraud detection 
Healthcare – AI-assisted diagnostics, predictive patient care 
Finance – Algorithmic trading, AI-driven risk assessment 
Manufacturing – Smart factories, AI-powered quality control 
Marketing – Hyper-personalised campaigns, AI-generated content 
Energy – Smart grid optimisation, predictive maintenance 
Education – Adaptive learning, AI-powered skills assessments 

Nurture students at Holovis
Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: What Happens​ with Our Data?​

ANSWER:

  • ​Students work under NDA​
  • Data is anonymized and tokenized​
  • Students work on secure systems​
  • Results can be delivered anonymously, and you keep the IP

QUESTION: How much time do we need to invest into the students?

ANSWER: Once onboarded, organisations see the best results by setting up regular weekly check-ins to mentor the student and review their progress. Some clients also use the Nurture Programme as an opportunity to upskill internal teams by involving them in project management and student support.

QUESTION: Do we need to pay the students?

ANSWER: While payment is not mandatory, it is entirely at your discretion. Many of our clients choose to offer a contribution towards students' expenses or time as a gesture of goodwill and to encourage engagement.

QUESTION: How much does it cost to participate in the Nurture Programme?

ANSWER: There is a £500 Participation Fee per Student. Should the company hire the student after the project has been completed, they will be charged a flat fee of £4000

Interested in collaborating? Contact Marie May , Head of Eden Smith’s Nurture Programme to discuss how your business can participate in the Nurture Programme and start benefiting from data-driven innovation. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to gain cutting-edge insights, solve complex problems, and connect with emerging talent.  

CEO and Head of Nurture with Marie Curie
By Christa Swain February 2, 2026
Executive Summary Data Transformation Insights | Data Leaders Executive Lounge | 29th January This Data Leaders Executive Lounge brought together senior data leaders to explore the real drivers of successful data transformation , moving beyond technology adoption to focus on operating models, leadership, culture, and capability . The session featured insights from Zoe Kelly , Head of Data & Insights at Serco , and Pedro Cosa , CDAIO at Data Minds , drawing on Pedro’s experience across Channel Four , Warner Bros , and News UK . A consistent message emerged: data transformation fails not because of tools, but because of unclear ownership, misaligned operating models, and unrealistic expectations of data leadership roles . Both speakers reinforced that sustainable transformation requires deliberate design of decision rights, strong executive sponsorship, and ongoing engagement with the wider business. The discussion also explored the evolving and often misunderstood role of the Chief Data Officer , highlighting tensions between centralised and embedded data models, persistent hiring challenges, and the risk of reverting data functions back into IT when business alignment is weak. 
By Christa Swain February 2, 2026
"How does the world see you? Gen AI see's me as a sparkly eyed, smiley male. Am I offended? No. AI amplifies human bias. AI isn't the bad guy here. We are." Christa Swain
Green
By Urvik Patel January 27, 2026
An in-depth look at Microsoft Fabric in 2026, exploring unified analytics, OneLake, Direct Lake, governance, performance optimisation, and how Fabric sets a new standards.
Show More