£210mln centre for jobs of the future in AI and quantum computing

A new artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing centre has been launched in North West England, thanks to a £210mln investment from the UK Government and IBM.

The Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation (HNCDI), based at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory in the Liverpool City Region, will create vacancies for an additional 60 scientists and opportunities for students to gain invaluable hands-on experience.

The centre – a partnership between STFC and IBM – will bring together world-leading expertise in AI and quantum computing to support the application of cutting-edge technologies in industry and the public sector.

Possible industry applications of quantum computing include optimising complex logistics such as picking and packing orders in large warehouses for supermarkets; traffic routing; energy distribution; and improving design and manufacturing processes across automotive sectors.

The government will invest £172mln over five years through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with an additional £38mln being invested by IBM.

The centre will work across sectors including materials, life sciences, environment and manufacturing. This will include collaboration with academic and industrial research communities, including start-ups and SMEs, public sector and government