British Prime Minister Keir Starmer inaugurated a Google-funded Artificial Intelligence (AI) campus in London on Wednesday. The facility aims to equip young people with skills in rapidly evolving technologies, Reuters reports.
The campus, located in Camden—Starmer’s parliamentary constituency—also marks the site of Google’s upcoming office. A two-year pilot program for local students has already commenced at the campus.
The initial cohort includes 32 students aged 16-18 who will gain access to AI and machine learning resources alongside mentorship from Google’s AI subsidiary, DeepMind. The students will work on applying AI to fields such as healthcare, social sciences, and the arts.
Prime Minister Starmer hailed the initiative as a “game-changing moment,” stating, “Such programs inspire the younger generation to embrace AI as a vital part of the future.”
Debbie Weinstein, Managing Director for Google UK and Ireland, announced £865,000 ($1.10 million) in funding for a nationwide AI literacy program. This funding, distributed through organizations like the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Parent Zone, will train teachers and support AI education for 250,000 students by 2026.
Weinstein highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “Our goal is to make the immense potential of AI accessible to everyone, equipping the next generation with critical digital skills and unlocking the UK’s £400 billion AI economic opportunity.”
