University at forefront of pioneering AI Growth Zone Bid
Posted on Tuesday 10 June 2025
To lay the foundations to enable AI, the UK Government is creating AI Growth Zones, with investment to create AI-enabled data centres and support infrastructure to improve access to power. Regions are invited to apply for funding, aimed at positioning the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence and help drive economic growth.
World-leading research
The regional bid, spearheaded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, draws on the strengths of University of York’s expertise in the responsible application and assurance of AI.
University Vice-Chancellor, Charlie Jeffery, said: "This is such an opportunity for York and North Yorkshire to be a beacon for responsible AI innovation. It would mean developments in AI can be pursued hand-in-hand with our world-leading research on safety and ethical considerations. We’d attract further investment and talent, all committed to building trustworthy AI systems, and all for the benefit of this region, the UK and beyond."
The University of York is globally renowned for its research in how AI is developed and deployed – focusing on its safety, ethical dimensions, how it can benefit everyone, global standards and regulation.
Its expertise includes the Centre for Assuring Autonomy and Institute for Safe Autonomy, which set out how advancements in AI can be pursued with a strong emphasis on societal benefit and trust.
Vision for economic growth
If successful, a Government decision to locate an AI Growth Zone in York and North Yorkshire could unlock an estimated £85 billion in growth across the entire Yorkshire and Humber region, positioning the region at the forefront of the UK’s digital economy.
The York and North Yorkshire bid has been developed in close collaboration with North Yorkshire Council, Drax Power Station, universities in Yorkshire, and a consortium of other public and private sector organisations.
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said: “Our submission to Government is ambitious and backed by a strong coalition of regional partners. Seizing on our long-established history at the forefront of innovation, York and North Yorkshire will deliver a pioneering, world-class AI Growth Zone. Our pitch to Government aligns with their ‘Plans for Change’. It is bold and credible plan that could transform the economic future of Yorkshire and the Humber.”
The bid outlines clear plans to accelerate AI adoption, igniting innovation across industry and academia, fostering public-private partnerships, and empowering communities through skills, jobs and digital inclusion. The investment would catalyse thousands of new jobs and transform the region’s local economies with digital infrastructure and innovation.
Carbon-negative
A groundbreaking element of the proposal is the creation of the world’s first carbon-negative data centre as part of an AI and Clean Energy Campus at Drax Power Station.
The submission demonstrates how a York and North Yorkshire AI Growth Zone will address national priorities such as energy and food security, and data sovereignty, while simultaneously driving regional and national growth. The opportunity would supercharge regional growth plans to leverage AI in food and farming innovation, as well as transforming high-growth sectors like life sciences, clean energy, rail innovation and the creative industries.
An announcement about the successful five AI Growth Zones planned across the UK is anticipated after the Comprehensive Spending Review on 11 June 2025.
