Liverpool explores shared AI computing for public services

The Liverpool City Region is assessing whether shared computing infrastructure could help its six local authorities, researchers and businesses use AI securely, working with software company K2K and NVIDIA.

The UK Combined Authority said the work would examine whether shared access could reduce duplication, strengthen local control and retain more of the economic value generated by AI within the region. An initial phase is expected to begin in late October.

“Collaborating with NVIDIA will help us understand how accelerated computing and AI applications could support a secure regional AI computing centre,” said Tiffany St James, Chief AI Officer at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

“Our task is to connect that technical expertise to the needs of Liverpool City Region and establish whether a shared approach can improve services, support innovation and create opportunities for local people.”

The assessment will bring together the six authorities, universities, public service partners and industry to examine demand, data security, skills requirements, energy use and affordable funding and delivery options.

It will explore how K2K’s technology could turn operational information into real-time insights for traffic management and recycling. Its vision language models, built using NVIDIA technology, help interpret visual information to support decisions.

The initial phase will recommend whether the Combined Authority should proceed. Any subsequent investment would be subject to public procurement and formal approval.

Sharing infrastructure

Liverpool’s assessment is among several European projects involving NVIDIA technology for city operations and public services, including building management, resident enquiries and urban planning.

Esther Lee, Head of Product Marketing for NVIDIA Metropolis, told Cities Today: “Depending on the application, deployment can start with a single server and expand as needs grow. We’re seeing cities pool demand across departments and with universities and research centres, including in Liverpool.”

Lee said Liverpool is testing applications, while Belfast is exploring a pilot. The regional computing proposal is at the assessment stage, with findings to be considered before any commitment to a later phase.

European deployments

Lee added that Côte-d’Or and Cinisello Balsamo have progressed beyond pilots, although scope varies by project.

In France, Côte-d’Or is working with Akila and ThinkDeep on agents supporting energy management, compliance, safety and climate resilience across more than 500 public buildings. The system combines sensor, infrastructure and historical data in a digital twin.

The company reports a 10 percent reduction in total operating costs and document searches shortened from weeks to minutes.

In Italy, Cinisello Balsamo is introducing locally operated computing infrastructure supporting translation, citizen chatbots and assistance with procurement and funding, with expansion to four additional municipalities planned.

In Liverpool, the assessment will establish whether shared infrastructure can support similar applications and deliver sufficient public value to justify investment.

St James from Liverpool added: “We are putting governance and public value at the start of the process. Evidence will guide each decision, and any future proposal will need to be secure, affordable and accountable to the region.”

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