Initiative overview
The Regional AI Adoption Hubs form part of the UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan, which identified the geographic concentration of AI benefits as a key challenge. The hubs are designed to ensure AI-driven growth reaches all parts of the UK, particularly those with historically lower AI adoption. Delivered through Innovate UK's BridgeAI programme (launched April 2023, expanded at Autumn Budget 2025), the hubs are implemented in partnership with Digital Catapult, the Alan Turing Institute, the Hartree Centre, and the British Standards Institution. Their activities include: (1) connecting businesses with AI experts through innovation networks; (2) funding the development of new trusted AI services and technologies through co-creation between AI developers and end-users; (3) upskilling organisations through training programmes and the AI Skills Hub; and (4) providing access to AI adoption frameworks and scientific advice. The programme is structured around a series of open competitions and challenge calls, with grants typically ranging from GBP 25,000 to GBP 350,000 for SMEs and research organisations. The Technology Adoption Review 2025 reinforced the hub model as a key mechanism for sector-specific AI support. The hubs also feed into the broader AI Assurance Innovation Fund.
