GoodShip* AI Activator: Shaping Future Leaders in Liverpool’s Tech for Good Movement

A Beginning, Not an End

Over the past few weeks, GoodShip*, in partnership with LJMU Student Futures, has had the privilege of leading an extraordinary group of students through the pilot of our AI Activator programme—a bold new approach to student internships that blends real-world challenges with purpose-led innovation.

The experience has been nothing short of phenomenal.

“This isn’t the end – it’s just the beginning.”

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Learning by Doing

Fifteen brilliant young minds came together, not just to learn, but to grow. They connected with one another, embraced vulnerability, and courageously pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.

From developing software tools and crafting presentations to conducting deep research and applying AI in business development and problem-solving—they rose to every challenge with creativity and curiosity.

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Real Tools. Real Impact.

Students were introduced to the Google suite of AI tools, including Gemini, Notebook LLM, and Firebase Studio. These technologies helped them research topics, mine contact and background information, and build supporting documents for their projects.

They didn’t just explore ideas—they brought them to life.

The group also engaged in vibe coding using Lovable, designing a simple CRM system to manage new contacts. This exercise showed that, with a well-scoped brief and a sharp sense of purpose, students can prototype and test real-world ideas at speed.

“With well-scoped briefs, it’s absolutely possible to prototype and test real ideas in the real world—without waiting for permission.”

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Human Skills, Honest Communication

In addition to tech, we explored important themes around workplace well-being, opportunity mapping, and the human side of communication. Students were encouraged to reflect on their strengths, consider their future work environments, and communicate with openness.

One simple but powerful takeaway: it’s okay to tell someone you’re an intern. It creates connection, builds trust, and starts a conversation on equal terms.

“It’s okay to tell someone on a call that you’re an intern. It breaks the ice.”

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Diverse Minds, Shared Purpose

What made this programme so dynamic was the diversity of the student group. Coming from backgrounds including Psychology, Criminology, International Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Marketing, and Communications, they showed how powerful cross-disciplinary collaboration can be.

Together, they challenged the traditional development agency model—demonstrating how creative, purpose-led problem-solving can result in practical, user-focused tools.

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Show & Tell: A Confident Finish

The programme culminated in a Show & Tell event, where every student presented their work in front of peers, partners, and mentors. Many faced their nerves head-on—and delivered with professionalism and pride.

“I feel like I’ve learnt more in the last week than in the last six months of university. The way we’ve been taught in the programme has been super fun and focused, with huge elements of self-discovery.”
Korben Slater, Student Participant

“I’m so grateful for the amazing experience I had as an AI Activator with GoodShip* – a journey that truly made a difference in both my personal growth and professional development.”
Basma Harbal, Student Participant

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Keeping Talent in the City

At GoodShip*, we’re passionate about nurturing and retaining talent in the Liverpool City Region. We want to create opportunities that connect students with the region’s most exciting start-ups, scale-ups, and socially driven businesses.

The AI Activator has shown what’s possible when emerging talent is empowered, supported, and trusted.

“We’ve got some real superstars in this city. It’s been a privilege to work alongside them.”

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Looking Ahead

The success of the pilot is just the start. We’ve seen firsthand how a focused, inclusive, and values-led approach can equip students with the skills—and self-belief, to shape the future of tech for good.

We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved.

Here’s to what’s next.

If you would like GoodShip* to lead or create a programme for you, please get in touch at hello@goodship.agency.

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