Milton Keynes Council is investing in an artificial intelligence (AI) training programme, bringing together experts working to establish the UK town as a smart city.

As part of its Covid-19 economic recovery plan, the council is spending over £20,000 on a six-month AI development programme, connecting business leaders, academics and individuals to develop AI skills and strengthen networks within the sector.

“We’re proud to be funding this programme, which will bring together the best and brightest minds in MK,” said council leader Pete Marland. “The sessions will provide invaluable insight for those interested in the sector and put our city in good stead as we continue our work to establish MK as a real smart city of the future.”

Local AI network MKAI is leading the sessions, which include six interactive conferences delivered by professionals that are solving real-world problems and already capitalising on business opportunities presented by AI. The programme also includes machine-learning coding challenges to equip participants with skills to build basic AI models.

“The appetite for digital skills, particularly in data science, is growing significantly in Milton Keynes,” said Richard Foster-Fletcher, founder of MKAI. “With MK:U launching this decade and the vision for Milton Keynes to be a leading smart city and a magnet for ambitious tech companies, there is no better place to be building an artificial intelligence community. MKAI is proud to be at the digital heart of this exciting new city and it’s an honour to be working with the council to grow the reach and impact of our mission to educate, connect and inspire professionals in Milton Keynes to develop their AI network, skills and knowledge. We are aligned with Milton Keynes ambitions and greatly appreciate the support of the council to accelerate our work.”

MK has more than 1000 people with direct sector skills and is home to over 6000 software engineers and 4000 data engineers. The city has the world’s largest fleet of autonomous delivery robots and will be home to a new undergraduate university, which will train people to take on jobs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics economy.

The council’s £2.25m economic recovery plan will fund further projects, including the creation of a Wonder Lab for tech entrepreneurs. The council is also funding an MKAI review highlighting Milton Keynes as a prime location for jobs and investment in the digital, AI and robotics sectors.