Young people on the Isle of Wight will have the opportunity to study higher level qualifications in digital technology.
The news was announced at the second Digital Island conference at Cowes Yacht Haven last week.
The Institute of Coding – a group of universities and businesses who deliver degree-level qualifications and short courses – is setting up an Island branch.
Councillor Dave Stewart, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “This is really good news for our young people, who will be able to get access to high level technology qualifications right here on the Island through the Institute of Coding.
“This is one of many important steps we’re taking to ensure our young people have great choices in higher education.”
The conference drew together technology-based businesses from across the Island and beyond.
Experts from IBM, Barclays Eagle Lab and Babylon Health were among the delegates demonstrating new products and exploring the Isle of Wight’s growing technology and digital sector.
Councillor Stewart added: “I was glad to see so many of the diverse digital companies from the Island on the day, and hear about the successes already taking place in the technology field.
“The small firms and also national and international companies now taking an interest in the Isle of Wight show that it’s a really good place to do business.”
David Prendergast, chief technical officer at Innovative Physics, one of the key speakers at the event said: “We were very pleased to be invited to showcase our award-winning AI technology to delegates at the conference.
“It is clear the Isle of Wight Council is committed to driving forward digital solutions for the Island for its growth and regeneration.
“As a business based here we find that extremely encouraging and are keen to help make the Island a world renowned centre of excellence in advanced digital techniques.”