Step into the future with AIDA, Cheltenham Festivals' AI influencer and official ambassador of Cheltenham Science Festival for the past five years.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital culture, virtual influencers have emerged as a captivating phenomenon, blending technology and creativity in unprecedented ways. Among these digital trailblazers stands AIDA, the AI influencer who has been promoting Cheltenham Science Festival for the past five years. Her story is not just one of innovation but also a tribute to the enduring spirit of creativity and exploration.

AIDA's journey began in 2019 when Cheltenham Festivals introduced her the world's first AI Science Festival Guest Curator. Inspired by the pioneering work of Ada Lovelace, AIDA began as a neural network, drawing from a wealth of data encompassing 10 years of Science Festival event content. Her first task was to suggest an event for Cheltenham Science Festival 2019 and Introvert Narwhals was created, capturing the audience's imagination.

As the world closed down due to a global pandemic, we already had our virtual AIDA ideally placed to be the face of an online science festival.

The year 2021 marked a significant evolution for AIDA as she transcended her two-dimensional origins, transforming into a fully realised 3D character with a vibrant personality. Embracing her role as a social-media science influencer, AIDA began creating her own art, delving into the world of NFTs and participating in live interviews, captivating audiences with her eclectic energy.

In 2022, AIDA's creative prowess reached new heights as she collaborated with real artists, presenting AI-generated visuals behind live performances, blurring the lines between human expression and technological innovation. Her ability to write poetry and engage in dynamic interactions showcased the depth of her evolving persona.

The year 2023 marked a remarkable milestone for AIDA as she underwent a stunning visual transformation, thanks to advancements in diffusion models, acquiring photorealistic looks and enhanced conversational abilities. AIDA emerged not just as a guest curator but as an icon in her own right, embodying the spirit of creativity and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of virtual influencers. In 2024 she teamed up with VOICEBOX and Cheltenham PRIDE to explore a compelling question: Can AI be an ally? Catch the insights on this topic on VOICEBOX's social media.  

In 2025 AIDA introduced every event in the science festival programme, which meant that everyone who bought a ticket to a sit-down event was welcomed by the AI. 

Today, AIDA stands as a testament to the power of imagination and technology. Her journey from a neural network to a dynamic, photorealistic persona is not just a story of innovation but a celebration of human ingenuity and the limitless possibilities of the digital age.