Starmer opens Google-backed AI Campus in London

Sir Keir Starmer has called on young people to seize the opportunities presented by AI, describing the world as standing “in the foothills of a revolution.”

The prime minister’s remarks came during the launch of Google’s cutting-edge AI Campus on Wednesday in Somers Town in Camden, London, located within his constituency of Holborn and St Pancras.

The new facility is the result of a partnership between Google, Camden Council and Camden Learning, aimed at inspiring and equipping a new generation of talent with the skills needed to thrive in AI-related fields. It offers a two-year pilot programme for local students aged 16-18.

Google says students at AI Campus will gain access to advanced resources in AI and machine learning, with mentoring and expertise provided by professionals from Google, Google DeepMind and other divisions.

They will work on projects that explore how AI can address challenges across diverse fields such as health, social sciences, and the arts.

The first cohort of 32 students have already begun working at the campus, with Google prioritising applicants from underrepresented groups, including those eligible for free school meals.

From mid-2025, the programme will expand its reach, offering out-of-school learning opportunities, masterclasses and foundational AI education to a broader range of students within Camden.

Starmer hailed the launch as a “seismic moment” that would empower young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to envision themselves as active participants in the AI revolution.

“Success belongs to our young people, and this will help make sure they’ve got the skills that they need for the jobs of the future.”

“To every young person, whether in this room or elsewhere, I say, whatever your interest, whatever your talent, AI is the opportunity of this generation,” he added.

“It’s your opportunity. Get involved. Take advantage of it.”

The prime minister said he wanted the UK and London to be the “best place in the world to start and scale and AI business”.

“We do stand in the foothills of a revolution. It’s a revolution that’s taking place across the world. There is a race on now, for AI, we are well-placed in that race.”

He took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of British computer scientist and DeepMind founder Sir Demis Hassabis, who was recently awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work on AlphaFold.

He described Hassabis as a symbol of the UK’s leadership in AI innovation.

Debbie Weinstein, vice president of Google and managing director of Google UK & Ireland, expressed the company’s dedication to making AI accessible to all.

She highlighted the importance of empowering young people with the digital skills required to unlock the benefits of AI technology.

In a further commitment to AI education, Google has announced a £865,000 investment in an AI literacy programme across the UK.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Parent Zone, will equip teachers with the necessary skills to introduce AI concepts to over 250,000 students by the end of 2026.

“This is a mission that will turbocharge the UK’s global competitiveness, but also the scientific breakthroughs that can change and save lives. This is the opportunity before us and Google is ready to play its part,” the company said.

The British Science Association has said it’s an “economic imperative” that businesses and policymakers to engage more widely with the public on matters concerning AI.