Google has opened a new AI campus in London, promising to help train and support local AI talent. Located in Somers Town, Camden, the campus has been developed in collaboration with Camden Council and Camden Learning, and will house a two-year education pilot for local sixth form students.
Debbie Weinstein, vice president of Google and managing director of Google UK and Ireland, said, ‘AI has the power to change the way we fundamentally live, work, and learn through its capacity to assist and empower people in almost every field of human endeavour. That’s why it’s important that we support the next generation in being equipped with the right digital skills to thrive.’
The pilot aims to provide students with access to cutting-edge resources on AI and machine learning, along with mentoring from Google, its DeepMind division, and other industry experts. Students will work on real-world projects in various fields, including health and the arts.
Currently, the initiative has begun with 32 students aged 16 to 18, with preference given to applicants from underrepresented groups. Google revealed that from mid-next year, the program will expand to offer support to a broader range of Camden students, enhancing their access to technology and AI-focused education.
‘We have already trained more than one million people and businesses across the UK in digital and AI skills, partnering with governments, trade unions, NGOs, and local communities,’ Weinstein added, emphasizing the importance of equipping the future workforce.
In conjunction with the campus launch, Google announced an additional £865,000 funding for the Raspberry Pi Foundation to expand a free educational program aimed at teaching AI skills, expected to reach 250,000 students by 2026.
Despite initial concerns from Camden Council regarding the public response to the new campus, the plans were approved earlier this year. By next year, Google will finalize its relocation to its new headquarters in King’s Cross, designed to accommodate approximately 7,000 staff.
