End of tech lab Group Shot

TechLab 2025: Young Minds, Real Innovation

From 16th to 20th June 2025, the Cloudy Foundation hosted its latest TechLab Challenge at the vibrant UA92 campus in Manchester –  a week of innovation, creativity and digital ambition, proudly sponsored by Microsoft, TD SYNNEX, and CloudyIT. 

This wasn’t just another school project. It was a real-world brief with real business goals and real-world exposure.

The Challenge 

Students from Eden Boys’ School and Eden Girls’ School were tasked with designing and developing a proof-of-concept AI chatbot agent for TD SYNNEX. Its purpose? To help customers request demo sessions for Microsoft Copilot for M365 or Copilot Studio, capturing key details and storing them securely in SharePoint. 

But this wasn’t just about building technology. 

Each team also had to launch a full marketing campaign — from branding and messaging to a promotional video — that showcased the chatbot to internal stakeholders and the wider public. With just five days to plan, build, and pitch, the students were immersed in the kind of fast-paced, creative pressure found in any digital agency. 

Real Roles, Real Pressure 

Working in structured teams, students took on the roles of designers, marketers, videographers, developers and project managers. They collaborated to negotiate business requirements, manage time effectively, and deliver a complete solution by Friday. 

Throughout the week, they were supported by expert mentors and industry guests, including professionals from Microsoft, Resultful, The Peter Jones Foundation, and Greater Manchester’s Careers Hub. Adding to the inspiration, representatives from Manchester City Council also attended, showing their support for young people shaping the region’s digital future. 

Expo Day and the Winners 

The final day saw the UA92 atrium transformed into a buzzing community expo, where each team presented their chatbot and marketing campaign to local guests, mentors, and a panel of judges. 

The standard was exceptional. But three teams stood out: 

  • TechLab Champions: Aeolus by Eden Girls School – awarded Best Overall Project for its polished design, seamless user experience, and standout campaign strategy.
  • Best App: BookIt by Team Conflict – recognised for technical excellence and an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
  • Best Teamwork: DemoPilot by Team Tension – praised for collaboration, communication and cohesion throughout the project. 

Interested in joining or supporting a future TechLab?

 Contact the Cloudy Foundation → 

Hybrid Meetings Hero

Future-Proofing Council Meetings: Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Hybrid Meeting Technology

Local government is evolving—and so are the expectations for accessibility, transparency, and resilience. Following the UK Government’s latest response to its consultation on remote attendance and proxy voting, the message is clear: hybrid and remote meetings are here to stay. 

For councils of every size, investing in hybrid meeting room systems is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here’s why this moment represents an ideal opportunity to modernise your meeting spaces, and how CloudyIT can support you with scalable, high-quality solutions. 

Government Response: A Turning Point

In May 2025, the UK Government published its official response to the consultation on enabling remote participation in local authority meetings. The findings reflect broad support across councils and communities for more flexible meeting formats. 

The government recognises the benefits of remote and hybrid models, especially in improving participation and ensuring business continuity. Legislative change is being actively considered to give local authorities the power to hold meetings remotely or in hybrid formats. 

In anticipation of this shift, councils now have a unique opportunity to invest in reliable, user-friendly technology that supports this new way of working. 

The Benefits of Hybrid Meeting Rooms for Councils

  1. Improved Accessibility – Hybrid technology enables remote participation for councillors, officers, and members of the public who might otherwise face barriers – such as caring responsibilities, mobility limitations, or transport challenges. 
  2. Increased Public Engagement – With the option to broadcast meetings online or offer virtual attendance, councils can enhance transparency and make it easier for residents to stay informed and involved. 
  3. Operational Resilience – Whether facing extreme weather, illness, or scheduling challenges, hybrid setups provide the flexibility to ensure meetings go ahead as planned – with minimal disruption. 

Flexible Solutions for Councils of All Sizes 

At CloudyIT, we provide end-to-end hybrid meeting room solutions tailored to your council’s environment, size, and budget. Our systems are ready to install and typically delivered within week – not months. 

Portable & Accessible – Owl Labs 

Ideal for small councils or community halls. These all-in-one, 360° video and audio devices are compact, plug-and-play, and easy to move between spaces. 

Professional & Scalable – Logitech Rally Range 

Perfect for medium to large spaces, including older buildings and council chambers. These modular systems offer high-quality video, smart audio pickup, and seamless integration with your existing setup. 

Advanced & Customised – Bespoke Installations 

For councils with more complex requirements, we design and install fully customised systems with features such as:

  • In-room voice lift 
  • Assisted listening services 
  • Room control integration 

Why Choose CloudyIT? 

We offer a full-service approach – from initial consultation to post-installation support – ensuring your hybrid meeting room is future-ready, reliable, and easy to use. 

Our Service Guarantee Includes: 

  • 2-Year Hardware Warranty* 
  • Free Lifetime Software Updates & System Monitoring* 
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee* 
  • Free Design and Visual Mock-Up Service 
  • Free Consultation and Demonstration 
  • Full User Training & First Virtual Meeting Support 
  • Free Ongoing Support:

 – 6 months for non-CloudyIT clients* 

– Lifetime for CloudyIT clients 

*Terms apply. 

Prepare Today for Tomorrow’s Meetings

As councils prepare for a more flexible future, equipping your meeting rooms with modern hybrid systems is an investment in resilience, inclusivity, and efficiency. 

Our team is ready to guide you through the process – from first steps to first meetings. 

Get in touch today to book your free consultation. 

CONTACT US