National AI Awards success for Essex

The University of Essex is celebrating the success of business partners at the National AI Awards 2026.

Applied AI specialist Entopy was named AI SME Business of the Year and an AI tool co-developed by our computer scientists with health screening experts at Check4Cancer was also given special recognition.

The National AI Awards are held each year to reflect the critical areas of AI advancement, celebrating those who lead the way with their contributions.

Holly Leonard, Head of Business Engagement at the University of Essex, said: "It's wonderful to see our business partners and the work Essex does with them recognised at the National AI Awards.

"The success highlights the power of collaboration between industry and higher education, turning cutting-edge research into innovation with meaningful impact.

"We're proud to work alongside organisations that are pushing the boundaries of AI and digital technologies, and it's wonderful to see that work recognised on a national stage."

Entopy, based in Newmarket, was recognised for a project developed through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Essex and Harwich Haven Authority, which has transformed maritime operations at the Port of Felixstowe.

The project team developed an AI-powered tool called Capella, which brings together complex operational data from pilots, tugs, and terminal operations into a single intelligence engine.

By combining AI, Micromodels, and synthetic data, the platform enables predictive vessel coordination, helping operators identify and resolve planning fragilities before they become operational issues.

The judges recognised Capella as an example of AI being used beyond isolated point solutions, delivering a holistic intelligence capability for a highly complex operational environment.

Another Essex KTP, this time with Cambridge-based Check4Cancer, was also recognised at the awards thanks to the creation of an AI tool to detect skin cancer.

SKINTEL, developed by Dr Haider Raza from the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering and Check4Cancer researchers, was highly commended in the Best Industry Specific AI Solution category.

SKINTEL uses AI analysis of dermoscopic images and patient characteristics such as age, hair colour, and family history, to provide a diagnosis for skin cancer. Initial tests have shown it is 99 per cent accurate.

Check4Cancer founder, Chief Medical Officer and CEO, Professor Gordon Wishart, said: "With a record number of entrants this year, if was no mean feat for a small company with great ambition to be recognised during London Tech Week for our SKINTEL AI model for skin cancer detection.

"This is a great result after only four years, driven by Innovate UK funding and a Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with colleagues from the University of Essex. It highlights what can be achieved by partnerships between industry and academia."