The Liverpool City Region and the City of Hamburg have signed an agreement to develop a trans-European AI supercluster focused on urban and industrial applications.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Alois Krtil, CEO of the Artificial Intelligence Centre (ARIC) in Hamburg, establishes a framework for sharing expertise in AI and quantum technologies. The collaboration aims to accelerate the use of advanced technology in sectors including smart cities, logistics, life sciences, and aviation.

The agreement builds on existing trade and academic links between the two port cities. As part of the initiative, a delegation of British technology firms visited Hamburg to explore cross-border innovation and product testing. The partnership also involves the University of Liverpool and the STFC’s Hartree Centre.

The cooperation will focus on several technical areas, including responsible and trustworthy AI, quantum technologies, and applications for critical infrastructure and maritime industries. The Liverpool City Region recently appointed the United Kingdom’s first regional Chief AI Officer to oversee these digital strategies.

“This agreement with Hamburg strengthens our ability to shape the future, especially in AI and deep tech,” said Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region. “We’re putting the right leadership in place to turn ambition into action, opening new opportunities for our businesses and researchers.”