Build AI-powered solutions with modern developer tools
The AI Tools for Developers service helps UAB development teams build, extend and ship AI-enabled solutions using Microsoft Copilot Studio, GitHub Copilot and Azure Foundry Services.
AI Tools for Developers
The AI Tools for Developers service helps UAB development teams explore, build and extend modern AI-enabled solutions using Microsoft Copilot Studio, GitHub Copilot and Azure Foundry Services. These tools support a range of needs, from speeding up everyday coding tasks to building custom agents, workflows and advanced AI applications that connect with your data and systems.
This service is best suited for teams that want to move beyond general AI chat and start creating, testing and delivering AI-powered experiences in a more intentional way.
Copilot Studio
Create custom agents and workflow-driven experiences using a low-code platform that connects to data sources, tools and business processes.
Get StartedGitHub Copilot
Help developers write, explain, refactor and test code more efficiently with AI assistance inside familiar development tools.
Request a UAB GitHub accountAzure Foundry Services
Build more advanced AI applications using Azure-hosted model access, APIs and related capabilities for custom solutions, integrations and enterprise scenarios.
Get StartedFaculty and staff working on application development, automation, integration or technical solution design can request this service for a project, team or unit.
Ways These Tools Help
Accelerate Development
Use AI assistance to reduce repetitive work and help developers move faster through coding, testing, explanation and iteration.
Build DIY Agents
Create conversational or task-oriented agents that support users, guide business processes or connect to approved systems and data sources.
Integrate AI into Applications
Use APIs and Azure-hosted model services to embed AI into websites, apps, workflows and other digital experiences.
Support Different Skill Levels
Choose tools that match your team's starting point, from low-code agent design to more advanced development scenarios.
Experiment and Scale
Start with small pilots, prototypes or code-assist scenarios, then expand into more tailored and integrated solutions as needs mature.
Build with Governance in Mind
Create AI solutions within UAB-supported platforms that provide built-in governance, permission controls and oversight for secure, responsible development.
Frequently asked questions
Faculty and staff working on application development, automation, integration or technical solution design may request this service for a project, team or unit. A department billing code will need to be captured for usage expenses.
This service is primarily intended for IT staff, developers, technical teams and others building or supporting digital solutions.
These tools can help teams build custom agents, automate workflows, write and improve code, and create AI-enabled applications.
If your goal is to build agents or workflow-driven experiences, Copilot Studio is often the better fit. If your team wants help writing and understanding code, GitHub Copilot is the most natural fit. If you need deeper customization, APIs or advanced AI application development, Azure Foundry Services are the stronger fit.
Yes. These tools are offered through UAB-supported platforms with governance, access and security considerations reviewed through UAB processes. Developers are still responsible for making secure coding and design decisions when building solutions.
Depending on the tool, they may appear in development environments, GitHub workflows, low-code agent experiences, APIs or Azure-based application architectures.
Effort depends on the tool and the goal. GitHub Copilot is generally the lightest-weight way to get started, Copilot Studio supports more structured agent and workflow design, and Azure Foundry Services are positioned for more advanced development.
Yes. Students may access GitHub Copilot for coursework through GitHub's Student Developer Pack, which provides free GitHub Copilot access to verified students. Students must apply directly through GitHub Education, verify their academic status and activate the Copilot benefit using their personal GitHub account.
GitHub Copilot student access is managed by GitHub, not by UAB IT. Use of Copilot for coursework is subject to course, instructor and academic integrity guidelines, which may vary by class or department.
Azure AI Foundry is not broadly available to students by default. Access typically requires an Azure subscription and is usually provided through faculty-sponsored coursework, labs or research projects, where accounts, permissions and cost controls are managed by the University.
In some cases, students may use their own Azure for Students subscription for learning and experimentation. However, access to advanced capabilities such as Azure OpenAI models within Azure AI Foundry may still require additional approvals and configuration.
Students should follow the guidance provided by their instructor or academic program to understand whether Azure Foundry is required for a course and how access will be provided.
When building with any AI tool, refer to UAB's AI policies and guidelines .