University of Liverpool Secures £23.7 Million to Accelerate AI Innovation and Regional Growth

A new announcement from the University of Liverpool highlights the award of more than £23.7 million through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF) to support two major innovation programmes designed to strengthen economic growth and scientific capability across the Liverpool City Region.

The funding will support the AI Materials Hub for Innovation (AIM-HI), which has received £15 million alongside more than £30 million in private-sector investment. The programme aims to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in materials chemistry, helping businesses adopt advanced technologies, improve productivity, and bring new materials innovations to market more quickly.

The second initiative, NBIC-LIVE, has secured £8.7 million to establish a world-leading centre focused on the development of antimicrobial and anti-biofilm surface technologies. The programme will use AI-enabled approaches to accelerate innovation in areas including healthcare, manufacturing, water systems and industrial processes.

Together, the projects seek to strengthen collaboration between universities, industry and civic partners while supporting skills development, business growth and research commercialisation. The initiatives align with wider UK priorities in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and regional economic development.

The funding is expected to support new jobs, accelerate research and development activity, and reinforce Liverpool City Region’s position as a leading hub for science, technology and innovation.

Read the full article here:
https://news.liverpool.ac.uk/2026/06/01/university-awarded-over-23m-to-turbocharge-regional-economic-growth/

Key Points for Policymakers

More than £23.7 million in public funding is being invested to support innovation-led regional growth.
The AIM-HI programme aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence within materials chemistry and advanced manufacturing sectors.
NBIC-LIVE will focus on developing next-generation antimicrobial and anti-biofilm technologies with applications across healthcare and industry.
Both initiatives include workforce development, skills training and support for business innovation and commercialisation.
The projects contribute to UK priorities in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and productivity growth.
Collaboration between universities, businesses and local government is positioned as a key mechanism for translating research into economic impact.