More than 200 areas bid for AI Growth Zone status

After Culham in Oxfordshire became the first designated tech hotbed earlier this year, authorities around the country are also hoping to benefit from scheme aimed at boosting jobs and investment

Hundreds of local authorities are looking to secure a spot in the 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 datacentres.

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

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The government has now begun the selection process and, in the coming weeks, local authorities will have the opportunity to discuss their proposals in more detail with AI minister Feryal Clark and prime minister Keir Starmer’s AI adviser Matt Clifford.

Details of the selection process were discussed at an event held this week by trade body techUK, and attended by investors and MPs, who listened to Clark and Clifford give further information on bid timelines and qualifying criteria.

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

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.”

Clifford added: “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.”