The Liverpool City Region has secured a massive international partnership to develop a trans-European AI supercluster, marking a significant leap forward for the region’s digital economy.
The landmark agreement, signed between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and The Artificial Intelligence Centre (ARIC) in Germany, establishes a formal alliance to accelerate the real-world application of advanced technologies.
This collaboration aims to drive responsible AI across critical sectors, including logistics, life sciences, aviation, and smart cities.
Beyond artificial intelligence, the deal includes a commitment to share best practices on the development of Quantum Technologies, strengthening the practical collaboration between two of Europe’s most historic maritime and innovation hubs.
Turning Ambition into Action
The agreement was signed by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and ARIC CEO Alois Krtil, witnessed by representatives from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, and the STFC Hartree Centre.
The partnership builds on the region’s commitment to tech leadership, following the appointment of the UK’s first regional Chief AI Officer.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“Liverpool City Region has a proud history of global trade and innovation, and this agreement strengthens our ability to shape the future, especially in AI and deep tech.
“We’re putting the right leadership in place to turn ambition into action, opening new opportunities for our businesses, researchers and communities.”
A New Era of Technical Collaboration
The deal is supported by the British Embassy and aligns with the Kensington Treaty, which encourages intensified cooperation between the UK and Germany.
By connecting these two innovation ecosystems, the supercluster will help businesses and researchers develop solutions that are trustworthy and internationally competitive.
Alois Krtil, CEO of ARIC, noted the practical nature of the partnership:
“This MoU is a clear signal of our shared ambition to turn cutting-edge research and capability in AI and quantum technologies into practical application.
“By connecting our networks and expertise, we can help innovators in both regions develop solutions that are trustworthy, responsible and internationally competitive.”
British Ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell CMG, added that the two cities are showing what partnership can bring through focus and ambition, delivering growth and security for citizens in both the UK and Germany.
The delegation also included several deep tech firms from the Liverpool City Region, such as Log Chain and Sum Vivas Ltd, who are already engaging in cross-border innovation to test and develop new products.
