Avanade, leading global experts in Microsoft technology, and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), announce the launch of the new Avanade AI & Innovation Center on February 21, 2025. This initiative represents a transformative partnership aimed at advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, fostering community engagement, and preparing AI enthusiast students for successful careers in STEM and business.

The Avanade AI & Innovation Center at Cal Poly Pomona’s Innovation Village will serve as a vibrant center for AI research, collaboration, and learning, bridging the gap between academia and industry. It will host AI-applied research groups, sponsor student events such as hackathons and workshops, showcase cutting-edge innovations, and share industry trends. The hub builds on the broader successful initiatives between Avanade and Cal Poly Pomona, such as the establishment of the Mitch Hill Center for Digital Innovation, Avanade Scholarship program, FUEL conference, and more – all aimed at preparing young students to be future ready.

“The Avanade AI & Innovation Center is a testament to our continued commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape,” said Gord Mawhinney, Americas President, Avanade. “Through our decade-long partnership with Cal Poly Pomona, we are not only advancing AI innovation but also together creating opportunities for underserved communities to access technology and career pathways.”

The Avanade AI & Innovation Center was launched during the university’s inaugural AI Conference, ‘AI and Us: Building Inclusive and Adaptive Future Together’ on February 21, 2025. The conference brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and academic professionals to discuss the latest AI advancements and ethical implications. Featured keynote speakers included Mawhinney and Avanade’s Chief AI Officer, Florin Rotar. Attendees explored topics including AI readiness for staff and faculty organizational efficiency and creating a unique educational proposition to prepare Cal Poly Pomona students for the future of work.

“This partnership with Avanade exemplifies our mission to foster innovation, inclusion, and excellence in preparing our students for career success,” said Dr. Soraya M. Coley, president of Cal Poly Pomona. “By combining our academic expertise with Avanade’s industry leadership, we are creating a platform that empowers our students and faculty to shape the future of AI and harness its transformative power responsibly. We stand at the precipice of the future, and it will take the brightest minds working at the world’s preeminent companies to ensure a better future for all, and that is why we are honored to be partnering with Avanade.”

Over the past decade, Avanade has contributed over $2 million to Cal Poly Pomona, underscoring its dedication to community and workforce development. The Avanade AI & Innovation Center has already hired its first five team members from recent Cal Poly Pomona graduates and plans to hire many more CPP graduates over the years, supporting its mission of providing real-world opportunities for students and alumni. This initiative is expected to contribute to local economic growth.

Heba Ramzy, Global Corporate Citizenship Lead at Avanade, added, “We believe in the power of collaboration. The Avanade AI & Innovation Center will be a dynamic space where students, educators, and industry professionals unite to push AI innovation. Together, we'll ensure equitable access to opportunities, driving change and shaping the future with AI-fueled leaders and workforce.”

Through this initiative, Avanade and Cal Poly Pomona together aim to create high-impact experiences that bridge academia and industry, and drive AI innovation, marking a significant milestone in their shared journey to shape the future of technology and education.