New AI hub 'to create 1,000 jobs' on Merseyside

A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub planned for Merseyside is set to create 1,000 jobs over the next three years, the government said.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to make the UK one of the world's AI "super powers" as a way of boosting economic growth and improving public services.

Global IT company Kyndryl announced it was going to create the new tech hub in the Liverpool City Region.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram welcomed the investment, saying it would be "hugely beneficial" to the area.

In a speech setting out the government's AI ambitions, Starmer spoke of its "vast potential" for rejuvenating public services.

The government said its AI Opportunities Action Plan was backed by leading tech firms, some of which have committed £14bn towards various projects including growth zones, creating 13,250 jobs.

Mr Rotheram told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I went over last year to speak to [Kyndryl] face-to-face in New York.

"To have that come to fruition so quickly is hugely beneficial to the workforce in the Liverpool City Region."

He said attracting the world's largest IT infrastructure services provider was "testament to what we can achieve when local ambition is matched by national support to help attract international investment".

The Labour mayor said the Liverpool City Region was "leading the way in the UK's AI revolution".

He added: "As a region with a proud history of innovation we're ready to seize the opportunities that AI and digital technology can bring; not just to boost our economy but to improve lives, develop skills, tackle inequality, and ensure no-one is left behind."

The BBC has asked the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for more details about Merseyside's AI hub plans.

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