Mary Kemp was honoured with the Women in Tech Award at this year’s prestigious Dynamic Awards at the Grand Brighton. The award recognises her leadership in making artificial intelligence (AI) accessible and practical for real-world use.
The award was sponsored by Surrey & Sussex Institute of Technology, reflecting SSIoT’s mission to champion innovation, diversity, and opportunity in technology. As a Dynamic sponsor, SSIoT proudly supported the event and continues to work to ensure that tech education is inclusive, future-focused and open to all.
Mary Kemp, co-founder of AI Potential and Simpler with AI, is a leading figure in the South East’s AI movement – especially for start-ups and women in business. Known affectionately as ‘AI Mary’, she’s made it her mission to demystify AI and empower others to lead, not follow, the AI revolution.
Her story embodies the values at the heart of SSIoT, which is set to open its state-of-the-art hub at Crawley College later this year.
Q&A with Mary Kemp
What does this award mean to you?
“It’s not about the trophy – it’s proof that making AI practical matters. We help businesses lead the AI wave, not get swept away by it.”
Why did you shift your focus to GenAI?
“Our own business faced disruption. So we jumped in. GenAI is a chance to help others adapt too – not with more tools, but with real clarity.”
Why is collaboration key in AI?
“Because AI gets better when people share what they learn. If it’s going to be inclusive, it must be shaped by everyone, not just the usual suspects.”
What’s your message to young women considering tech?
“Don’t wait to feel ‘ready’. Curiosity counts more than credentials. Your thinking is needed. Be visible. Be bold.”
And the future of AI?
“It should be a leveller – not a threat. GenAI is the fourth industrial revolution, but only if people know how to use it. It’s a skill, not just a tool.”
SSIoT is building a new kind of tech education – inclusive, collaborative and built for the future. Opening a new building this year on Crawley College campus. Want to be part of it? The time is now.
www.sussexsurreyiot.ac.uk
