The University of Manchester and BNY have launched a five-year, £5m initiative focused on how organisations can adopt AI responsibly at scale.
The global financial services company said its new Future of Work Alliance will combine BNY’s experience deploying AI across large organisations with the university’s research expertise in applied AI, data science and inclusive innovation.
The programme will be delivered through Alliance Manchester Business School and enabled by the university’s innovation arm, Unit M.
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Based in Manchester, where BNY has operated for more than 20 years, the initiative will focus on using real operational business challenges to connect academic research with day-to-day commercial needs.
The Alliance will centre around five areas: a student-led research challenge programme, executive education for BNY leaders, postgraduate internships, AI-focused scholarships and an endowed academic chair, alongside a keynote lecture series focused on responsible AI and the future workforce.
“One of the challenges for organisations is how AI can be scaled in complex environments,” said Alejandro Perez. “The Future of Work Alliance connects our operational reality with The University of Manchester’s world-class research and talent pipeline to build the foundations for human-led digital transformation at scale.”
The initiative is intended to strengthen Manchester’s role as a hub for responsible AI innovation, while helping organisations develop leadership, governance and workforce skills around AI adoption.
Professor Duncan Ivison added: “AI is transforming work globally, and this alliance brings our highly talented researchers, students and our civic mission together with BNY’s experience of deploying AI responsibly at scale.
“The Alliance shows how universities and industry can work together to build trusted approaches to AI, develop future skills and deliver long-term economic and social value for Manchester and beyond.”
Lord Stockwood described the announcement as “excellent news for Manchester and the wider region”.
“The Future of Work Alliance is a clear example of our Industrial Strategy in action – bringing together a global financial leader and a top UK university to drive AI innovation, develop future skills and strengthen regional growth, helping secure the UK’s position as a leading destination for investment.”
Joe Manning said: “BNY’s story in Manchester is one of the best examples of what long-term investment in a place looks like. Having arrived in 2005, they have grown into one of the city’s largest financial services employers.
“BNY’s growing presence, alongside The University of Manchester’s research and talent, makes this an exciting initiative for the city. Manchester is the most AI-ready city in the UK, and this alliance will bring together two institutions with the experience and credibility to tackle the questions around AI that businesses are facing right now.”
BNY said the Manchester initiative builds on its wider university partnerships, including collaborations with Carnegie Mellon University and University of Central Florida.
The £5m investment is made up of philanthropic and programme-based funding.
