Inside the UK's First Government-Backed Tech Town

"Move over, smart homes. AI towns could be the next big thing. Barnsley, a former coal-mining town in South Yorkshire, has been named the UK's first government-backed "Tech Town," tasked with showing how AI can be incorporated into everyday life while building skills for jobs of the future. The designation was announced on Feb. 3 by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, as part of the government's push to make AI a practical, day-to-day tool for public services, education, and local businesses."

"Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has described Barnsley as a trailblazer for "how AI can improve everyday life" in the UK. Over the next 18 months, the central government will work closely with Barnsley Council, the NHS, schools, colleges, and local employers to accelerate the adoption of AI across the town. According to the government announcement, residents will also be prepped for the AI era, as the plans include offering free AI and digital courses through Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology."

"The Seam Digital Campus, already home to 33 digital businesses, will be expanded to become an AI-focused campus built around a new National Centre for Digital Technologies. Small and growing firms will be given hands-on support to adopt AI, improve productivity, and grow locally, helping them retain talent. Testing AI where it matters According to Kendall, British public services that can work with AI are a necessity and are expected to be among the most visible testing grounds for the initiative. This is really being put to the test at Barnsley Hospital, which will trial AI tools designed to"

Central government designated Barnsley as the UK's first government-backed Tech Town to pilot AI integration across everyday life. Government, Barnsley Council, the NHS, schools, colleges, and local employers will collaborate over 18 months to accelerate AI adoption. Free AI and digital courses will be offered through Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology to upskill school-leavers, career changers, and older residents. The Seam Digital Campus will expand into an AI-focused campus with a National Centre for Digital Technologies. Small firms will receive hands-on support to adopt AI, boost productivity, grow locally, and retain talent. Barnsley Hospital will trial AI tools.

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