Kyndryl, a major infrastructure services provider, has opened its new AI Innovation Lab Liverpool at the Royal Liver Building which aims to create up to 1,000 software engineering and AI-related roles over the next three years.
The firm’s decision to invest in the Liverpool City Region was a key part of the UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan revealed earlier this year, which seeks to position the UK as a global leader in AI to “unleash” the technology across the country.
Opening with a 100-strong team of AI and software engineering specialists and degree apprentices focused on AI and data science, the new office offers advisory and co-creation services led by Kyndryl Consult.
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The new hub will also include a Kyndryl Vital Studio, led by Kyndryl Consult, allowing customers to tackle complex and real-world business challenges through “designer-led, open collaboration and co-creation”.
As part of the new hub opening, Kyndryl is expanding its partnership with The Very Group, the Liverpool-based operator of digital retailers Very and Littlewoods, through a new multiyear agreement designed to enhance and accelerate the retailer’s end-to-end digital capabilities. Kyndryl will provide comprehensive software and platform engineering support, helping The Very Group launch new products at speed and enhance the digital customer experience.
John Chambers, Kyndryl United Kingdom and Ireland President, said: “We are exceptionally proud to invest in the Liverpool City Region by opening the Kyndryl AI Innovation Lab Liverpool that champions collaboration, creative excellence and digital curiosity. Choosing the Royal Liver Building was a proactive decision to celebrate the city’s rich heritage, while aligning with our sustainability goals of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040.”
He added: “With businesses eager to develop AI capabilities, our new Kyndryl AI Innovation Lab Liverpool represents a significant step in addressing the AI skills gap.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, hailed the new AI Innovation Lab as a “major investment” in the region and a “massive show of confidence in the talent we have here”.
“The Royal Liver Building has stood as a symbol of our region’s ambition and identity for over a century — so it’s fitting that it is to become home to a project that’s looking firmly to the future.
“It will bring up to 1,000 quality jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people — helping to put our residents at the heart of one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world.”
