Hamburg and Liverpool City Region sign landmark AI agreement 

• Landmark agreement to develop and trans-European AI supercluster
• Focus on sharing expertise and accelerating real-world applications of advanced tech
• Share best practice on development of Quantum Technologies
• Collaboration builds on existing trade missions, academic links and cultural exchanges
• Aims to drive responsible AI across sectors such as logistics, life sciences, aviation and smart cities

Hamburg and the Liverpool City Region have agreed to combine forces to develop a trans-European AI supercluster.

The landmark agreement, signed between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and The Artificial Intelligence Centre (ARIC) in Hamburg, includes an intent to share best practice on the development and adoption of Quantum Technologies and to strengthen practical collaboration between the two regions.

The AI MoU was signed by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and ARIC CEO Alois Krtil.

The agreement sits within the wider partnership between Hamburg and the Liverpool City Region and builds on reciprocal visits and exchanges during 2023 and 2024, including Hamburg’s invitation for Liverpool City Region to be the official port partner of its 837th Hafengeburtstag – the world’s largest annual port festival.

As part of this visit, Mayor Rotheram will also sign a joint declaration of intent with First Mayor of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, to further explore strengthening academic, economic and cultural ties between the two regions.

The AI MoU signing was witnessed by representatives from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University’s Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies Research Institute and the STFC’s Hartree Centre at Daresbury.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and ARIC CEO Alois Krtil at the signing of an MOU in Hamburg to develop a trans-European AI supercluster

Also in attendance were several deep tech companies from the City Region who are in Hamburg on a high-level trade and insights mission to foster and develop cross-border innovation and technical collaboration with counterparts in Hamburg, including the testing out of new products.

The private-sector arm of the LCR delegation included leading logistics company Log Chain as well as pioneering firms as Sum Vivas Ltd, Talentport, Complete Software Services and Ocuwell.

The AI MoU sets out a shared intention to connect stakeholders, share expertise and explore joint initiatives that accelerate real‑world applications of advanced technologies across both innovation ecosystems.

The collaboration also reflects Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s commitment to AI leadership, including the hosting of an annual AI Summit and the appointment of the UK’s first regional Chief AI Officer to help drive adoption, capability and responsible use of AI.

Areas of cooperation include:

•  Artificial Intelligence
•  Responsible AI and Trustworthy AI
•  Quantum Technologies
•  Applications in critical infrastructure
•  Applications in logistics and maritime industries
•  Applications in life sciences
•  Applications in aviation
•  Applications in smart city innovation
•  Other related deep tech fields and application areas of mutual interest

Steve Rotherham, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said:

“Liverpool City Region has a proud history of global trade and innovation, and this agreement with Hamburg strengthens our ability to shape the future, especially in AI and deep tech. With the Combined Authority appointing the UK’s first regional Chief AI Officer, we’re putting the right leadership in place to turn ambition into action – opening new opportunities for our businesses, researchers and communities, and supporting responsible innovation that delivers real benefits.”

Alois Krtil, CEO of ARIC, said:

“This MoU is a clear signal of our shared ambition to turn cutting edge research and capability in AI and quantum technologies into practical application. By connecting our networks and expertise, we can help innovators in both regions develop solutions that are trustworthy, responsible and internationally competitive.”

Andrew Mitchell CMG, British Ambassador to Germany, said:

“The newly-ratified Kensington Treaty commits the UK and Germany to intensifying cooperation in technology, including AI. Liverpool and Hamburg are now putting this into action, driving practical, responsible innovation that delivers real benefits for our economies and our people. The British Embassy will offer its strong and continuing support to Hamburg and Liverpool as they deepen their long-standing relationship, delivering growth and security for citizens in the UK and Germany. My congratulations to the two cities, who are showing what partnership can bring through focus and ambition.”