Thousands of jobs are set to be unlocked as a coalition including British AI firm NScale, local universities and leading skills providers join forces to supercharge planning, new opportunities and the build of the North East’s new AI Growth Zone.

With new roles expected including in construction through to energy to cutting-edge AI - the new taskforce will work hand-in-hand with local organisations to create training and apprenticeship routes that ensure the benefits are felt across the region.

With members including data centre builders, local training providers , as well as representatives spanning the AI sector and world-class researchers, including Newcastle University’s Professors Paul Watson and Colin Wilson, the taskforce kicked off work today.

Maximising the impact of AI

The taskforce will initially prioritise getting the AI Growth Zone up and running, before maximising the impact of AI for the local economy, jobs and opportunities for young people.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness brought together businesses to focus on getting sites in Cambois near Blyth and Cobalt Park up and running fast. The Technology Secretary met apprentices already working at Cobalt Park to hear first-hand how the AI Growth Zone is creating opportunities and boosting growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

The event was attended by Professor Watson, Director, National Innovation Centre for Data and Professor of Computer Science, and Professor Colin Wilson, an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer and Professor of Transplant Surgery.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “The North East is once again leading the charge - this time in the AI revolution.  

“We’re backing local talent with the skills and training they need to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

 “From laying the physical foundations and building data centres to launching careers in AI, this Growth Zone is about creating real opportunities for people right across the region.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “We know AI can be transformational for people and the local economy. This investment will mean thousands of jobs for local people and the North East leading innovations in tech.  

“Now we need to work with businesses to develop the talent right here, and make sure the benefits of AI reach the people of the region. We’ve already mobilised a taskforce of business leaders, industry experts and skills providers to deliver exactly that. 

“I want kids in school here today to see their place in an AI-driven future, and this is how we make sure it provides a new future for our young people.” 

AI’s transformative potential

Professor Paul Watson, Director, National Innovation Centre for Data and Professor of Computer Science said: "Over the past six years the National Innovation Centre for Data has collaborated on over 100 AI projects with local companies. These have created over 1,500 new jobs and will add £800M to the regional economy. This shows the huge potential of AI to transform companies of all sizes and across all sectors. The new AI Growth Zone investment will build on this success and dramatically scale-up the positive impact that AI will have on the region."

The UK Government has designated the region as an AI Growth Zone, unlocking up to £30 billion in investment to transform its tech landscape, create long-term AI careers, and boost public services like healthcare.

It follows a landmark UK-US deal on AI, Quantum and Nuclear technologies, announced by the Prime Minister and President Trump, to boost jobs and innovation. 

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Place, Newcastle University, said: “Our region is uniquely positioned as an AI Growth hub, with a combination of world-class talent and research, access to green energy, and a rapidly growing AI business ecosystem.

"Newcastle University will play a central role by training the next generation of AI talent, leading AI research and innovation, and working closely with industry and public partners to ensure that new technologies benefit everyone."

If you're interested in this growth area, find out more about courses involving AI and data or more about how we work with industry at Newcastle University. 

Adapted with thanks from the DSIT.