Building on the success in securing Freeport Status for Ynys Môn and today’s announcement to establish the UK’s first SMRs on the island, the AI Growth Zone will further leverage these critical investments in the region. Together they will deliver significant economic opportunity for North-West Wales in which Bangor University has played an instrumental part.
Experiences globally show a clustering of high-tech firms around such zones with large scale data centres at their heart. The University and its Science park, M-SParc, are ambitious and excited to support the inward investment opportunity, the growth of new jobs and the opportunity to enhance the skills base in the region. Working as a collaborative system, the Growth zone will combine with other initiatives to deliver a much-needed boost to the whole of the North Wales economy.
The University has extensive expertise in AI and data across its disciplines including the highly successful Welsh Large Language Model, developed by Bangor University in partnership with University College London and NVIDIA . This project exemplifies how AI can transform lives, support public services across Great Britain, and help preserve the Welsh language and culture.
Securing the AI Growth Zone status for Anglesey and Gwynedd is incredibly exciting. It recognises the region’s potential as a centre for innovation and sustainable economic growth. When combined with the powerful offer of the University’s research base, the investment in the Albert Gubay Business School and the highly successful Menai Science Park we are uniquely positioned to lead in developing the skills, partnerships and technologies that will shape the future of AI creating high value business and career opportunities across the region.
The University is committed to working with stakeholders and community partners to ensure the successful implementation of the AI Growth Zone to maximise its impact for North Wales.