Exeter University partners with Amazon

The University of Exeter has signed a major new agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to boost digital skills, support research, and tackle sustainability challenges in the South West and beyond.

The partnership, which builds on the university’s existing work with AWS, will see students and staff gain access to new training in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and data analysis. A new Sustainability Innovation Hubwill also be set up to develop solutions to environmental and public sector challenges.

The deal was signed at the AWS Executive Education Summit in Chicago on 30 July 2025 by Exeter’s Senior Vice-President and Registrar, Mike Shore-Nye, and AWS Vice President Kim Majerus.

Mike Shore-Nye said:
“This collaboration with AWS is a bold step forward in our mission to drive meaningful change through innovation. Together, we’ll open up new opportunities for our students, strengthen our research, and support the communities we serve.”

Kim Majerus from AWS added:
“By combining Exeter’s academic expertise with AWS’s cloud technology, we can create new pathways into digital careers and deliver innovation that benefits both students and society.”

The partnership will focus on four areas:

• People and Place – creating pathways into digital careers and boosting social mobility

• Education – giving students and staff the chance to build skills in cloud, AI and data

• Research – accelerating solutions to environmental and regional challenges

• Digital Infrastructure – improving technology across the university

The collaboration has already achieved one milestone, with Exeter becoming a founding UK member of the AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance. The initiative aims to give 100,000 people AI skills by 2030, helping prepare learners for entry-level technology roles.

Future plans include rolling out digital training for university staff and students, launching the INSPIRE Framework project, and expanding joint initiatives to support innovation and digital inclusion across the region.