Driving the data revolution
Leading the next wave of innovation with data and artificial intelligence.
National Innovation Centre for Data: From mining for coal to mining for data
Through the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), we help organisations across the UK unlock the value of data and artificial intelligence (AI). Our work supports better services, new jobs, and solutions to major societal challenges.
A world driven by data
Data is now one of our most valuable resources. Every day, organisations generate huge amounts of information that could improve healthcare, strengthen public services, boost economic growth, and support a more sustainable future.
Yet many organisations lack the skills, tools, or confidence to use data well.
At the same time, advances in AI are transforming how decisions are made and services are delivered. The challenge is not collecting more data, but using data and AI responsibly, effectively, and for public good. Those that can harness these technologies will be better prepared to solve complex challenges, create new opportunities, and thrive in a digital world.
Leading the way in data innovation
Based at Newcastle Helix, which sits on the historic site of the former North Elswick Colliery, the National Innovation centre for Data (NICD) was created through a ground-breaking partnership between Newcastle University and the UK Government.
It brings together businesses, public sector organisations, charities, and academic experts to unlock innovation, test new ideas, and transform complex data into practical solutions that benefit people everywhere.
Bringing the latest developments to organisations
The amount of data available to organisations is growing at an extraordinary pace. This create huge opportunities for businesses to grow.
NICD experts help organisations use data science and AI to improve performance, develop new products and services, and build long-term in-house capability. We work with small-to-medium enterprises, large corporations, public sector bodies, and charities through a wide range of collaborative projects and skills transfer. Each project is tailored to the organisation’s needs.
Our teams work with partners to refine and test new ideas, align data and AI projects with strategic goals, and speed up innovation through rapid development cycles and flexible collaboration. We also help organisations build essential AI and data skills within their workforce.
NICD’s presence in the North East has attracted major companies to invest. This has supported significant economic growth, bringing over 1,500 new jobs to the region through inward investment and strengthening its reputation as a hub for AI expertise.
Since launching in 2019, we’ve worked with more than 90 businesses, delivering tailored data solutions with measurable impact. Support from our data scientists has helped create 184 net full-time equivalent jobs within organisations we’ve worked with. Our work is projected to deliver £742 million in economic value over the next decade.
A future powered by data
The next wave of innovation will be driven by data and AI. As these technologies continue to evolve, we are shaping a future where data is trusted, accessible, and used to improve lives.
Just as the North East once powered the industrial revolution, it is now helping drive the data revolution. Through world-leading expertise, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to innovation for public good, NICD is ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of the UK's digital future.