A new £2.5 million tech and artificial intelligence facility has opened in Birmingham.
Wolverhampton-based School of Coding & AI has launched the hub on the top floors of its existing home in Livery Street.
The new base has AI labs, game design facilities, a podcast room, classrooms and a research centre.
School of Coding & AI opened the 12,000 sq ft campus earlier this year in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton after which 800 students were enrolled and a further 500 are set to begin courses this month.
Founded in 2017, the company works with schools, colleges and businesses to boost digital skills by delivering courses in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), computer science, AI and cyber security.
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Founder and chief executive Manny Athwal said: "Our core belief is that education should be accessible, inclusive and empowering.
"This isn't just about technology for technology's sake. We've built more than classrooms - this is a space where students can experiment, innovate and be inspired."
The new education centre was officially opened by West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker whose published Growth Plan includes a bid to make the region a leader in AI skills including giving adults free training.
"I've enjoyed seeing first-hand the work being done in the AI training and skills space at School of Coding," he said.
"As jobs become increasingly digital and data-driven, AI will become a core skill just like English or maths that people use in their everyday lives, at work, home or in the community.
"I'm making AI skills training a priority and easily available to everyone so no one is left behind. My goal is to make the West Midlands the º£½ÇÊÓƵ leader for AI skills."
Many of the students at the Birmingham campus are adults who have not accessed education in years.
Centre manager Jathin Babu Kante added: "Our priority is to change the lives of our students. We don't want them to just sit there, learn and go away.
"We want them to feel like they're part of something bigger. We try to make their experience easier, not overwhelming.
"From laptops to published resources, we will provide them with the resources they need for them to have a better experience.
"Our vision is to build a world-class space that makes people say ‘wow' the moment they walk in. If they don't, we're not delivering."
