AI ecosystem

We are first in the world for industry, innovation and infrastructure, according to Times Higher Education, with one of Europe’s largest centres for AI research.

We are committed to improving the world

Driving innovation is central to that commitment. 

Our ambition is to see an ecosystem where everyone who comes here to study, work, co-locate or partner with us expects and experiences entrepreneurial opportunities and a vibrant community.

Our leading position is built on a unique combination of entrepreneurial vigour, computing power, partnerships with the public and private sectors, and talent concentration. 

Our AI ecosystem supports the city’s buzzing start-up culture through initiatives like the AI Accelerator and the Venture Builder Incubator. We are the natural host for EIE, our annual technology investor readiness programme and showcase, which attracts potential backers from around the world. 

Advanced computing infrastructure

At the ecosystem’s heart lies our computing power and infrastructure. We are home to the UK’s most powerful computer, ARCHER2, housed at the Edinburgh International Data Facility (EIDF), which also features two Cerebras CS-2 systems, dedicated to largescale AI and powered by the world’s largest silicon chip.

Strategic partnerships

With partners, we drive innovation by applying our expertise and research to real world situations, helping to harness and unlock AI in academia, government, industry and the public sector. Several partnerships are already delivering AI-driven breakthroughs. 

Our links with the likes of the NHS and financial institutions allow our experts access to vital datasets to train AI, all done responsibly and ethically. 

Innovating through data

We lead the Edinburgh City and Region Deal’s £660m Data Driven Innovation (DDI) programme, whose hubs are helping to cement Edinburgh city as the data capital of Europe. Key hubs - Bayes Centre, Usher Institute, and Edinburgh Futures Institute - are working with EIDF’s world-leading computing power to form the cornerstone of our ‘one-University’ approach to AI. 

Combined with Edinburgh being home to six EPSRC/UKRI AI Centres for Doctoral Training, more than any other UK institution, the result is a wealth of active research groups already delivering breakthroughs with AI. 

Find out more about this extraordinary AI ecosystem and how you can work with us. 

Partnerships

Collaboration is key. Working with global partners, we are fast tracking AI solutions to transform businesses and lives.

Spin-outs, start-ups and entrepreneurial programmes

Edinburgh is home to a buzzing AI start-up and spin-out scene - and we are at the heart of it.

Infrastructure

Our work in AI is enabled by some of the richest datasets in Europe combined with revolutionary computing infrastructure, including the UK’s most powerful computer.

Directory of research hubs

Researchers across the University are investigating AI's possibilities.

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