Leeds is establishing itself as a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI) growth in the UK. According to new analysis from Leeds-based firm The Data City, AI companies in the city are expanding their workforce by 22% annually. This rate significantly surpasses London’s 7.2% and the national average of 4.8%. The city’s tech sector is also noted for its diversity, with 20% of new businesses founded by women and over 27% of company directorships held by women.
Alex Craven, co-founder of The Data City, stated that these figures show Leeds is one of the “most exciting centres for AI in the country” and is developing a “diverse and resilient ecosystem needed to compete internationally.”
The growth in AI is part of a broader trend in Leeds, which is also seeing expansion in other sectors such as sports, software development, net-zero, data infrastructure, digital creative industries, life sciences, and the agency market.
These findings were released as the tenth Leeds Digital Festival takes place from 22 September to 03 October. The festival, which is supported by sponsors including CGI, Skipton Group, PEXA, Accenture, Genio, Leeds City Council, Lloyds Banking Group, and Nexus University of Leeds, features over 220 sessions celebrating innovation and collaboration.
Stuart Clarke MBE, the festival director, noted that the rise in AI jobs proves how Leeds is “setting the pace nationally” and that the city’s strong universities, thriving startup culture, and established companies are creating “huge opportunities.”
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