US IT venture Kyndryl launches its new artifical intelligence innovation lab at the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool as it gears up to create up to 1,000 high-skill jobs in the next three years. Tony McDonough reports

US IT firm Kyndryl is pushing on with plans to create 1,000 Liverpool city region jobs in the next three years as it launches its new artifical intelligence (AI) base at an iconic waterfront location.

Kyndryl has now officially opened its first Liverpool office in the Royal Liver Building at the Pier Head. This will offer customers advisory and co-creation services led by Kyndryl Consult.

It starts with a team of AI and software engineering specialists and degree apprentices focused on AI and data science. The goal is to grow the team and create up to 1,000 software engineering and AI-related roles within three years.

In January, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the arrival of Kyndryl in Liverpool as part of the UK’s AI (artificial intelligence) “revolution”. This is part of the UK-wide The AI Opportunities Action Plan that will see £14bn invested.

Kyndryl professionals will advise businesses in adopting and implementing AI, emerging technologies and software and platform engineering.

It will include a Kyndryl Vital Studio, led by Kyndryl Consult, allowing customers to tackle complex and real-world business challenges through designer-led, open collaboration and co-creation.

As part of its investment the company will expand its existing partnership with The Very Group, the Liverpool-based operator of digital retailers Very and Littlewoods. It will enhance and accelerate Very’s end-to-end digital capabilities.

John Chambers, Kyndryl UK and Ireland President, said: “We are exceptionally proud to invest in Liverpool city region by opening the Kyndryl AI Innovation Lab Liverpool that champions collaboration, creative excellence and digital curiosity.

“Choosing the Royal Liver Building was a proactive decision to celebrate the city’s rich heritage, while aligning with our sustainability goals of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.”

Employees working out of the new Kyndryl AI Innovation Lab Liverpool will have access to a coffee shop, cafe, showers, bike park, a range of health and wellbeing classes with access to on-site gym and fitness studio.

The Royal Liver is powered by energy, from wind, solar and hydro sources. It has won multiple Green Apple Environmental awards and has a rooftop beehive producing honey since 2022.

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Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram added: “The Royal Liver Building has stood as a symbol of our region’s ambition and identity for over a century – so it’s fitting that it is to become home to a project that’s looking firmly to the future.

“Kyndryl’s new AI Innovation Lab is a major investment in our region and a massive show of confidence in the talent we have here. It will bring with it up to 1,000 quality jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people.”