More than 200 local authorities bid to become an AI Growth Zone

Hundreds of local authorities are looking to secure a spot in the UK Government’s AI Growth Zones initiative.

Ministers have received more than 200 expressions of interest from across the UK from areas wanting to become hotbeds for AI development.

“Thousands of high-skilled jobs and billions of pounds in fresh investment” wait for those that are successful in their bid, the government said.

Announced as part of the AI opportunities action plan in January, these zones will benefit from faster planning permissions and better access to power, in order to host key AI infrastructure, such as data centres.

Culham in Oxfordshire, home to the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s headquarters, was announced as the host of the first zone earlier this year.

Minister for AI Feryal Clark said: “Just like coal and steam powered our past, AI is powering the future. Our AI Growth Zones will transform areas across the UK into engines of growth and opportunity - unlocking new jobs and revitalising communities across the UK. 

“This is our plan for change in action, ensuring the benefits of AI are felt in every region and securing the UK’s place as a world leader in this vital technology.”

The government will begin the selection process today at an event hosted in the TechUK London office. Local authorities will have the opportunity to discuss their proposals in more detail with Clark and the Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s AI adviser Matt Clifford.

Investors and MPs will also attend the event, where Clark and Clifford are set to give further details on bid timelines and qualifying criteria.

Successful applicants will be announced this summer, with work expected to begin by the end of the year.

Clifford said: “The UK has an extraordinary opportunity in AI, but speed is everything. Today’s launch sends a clear signal to investors and local communities that we’ve already moved into high gear.

“I’m looking forward to discussing these proposals in more detail today as we continue to work alongside investors and local authorities to deliver a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

While the full list of applicants has not been published, Starmer has previously said Scotland has a "real potential" for this innovation hotbeds and technology secretary Peter Kyle told journalists he looked forward to Glasgow's bid.