A plan to create a tech hub stretching across South Wales and the West Country that could rival Silicon Valley has been launched in Gloucestershire.
Businesses, local authorities and academics from the Western Gateway - a cross-board partnership aimed at boosting the economy - gathered in Cheltenham to discuss building the 海角视频's largest cyber cluster. The aim of the proposal is to attract top tech businesses to the area, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology and advanced manufacturing firms from around the world.
Gloucester is already home to the government's intelligence agency GCHQ and plans are in place for a £1bn cyber development in the county, which is expected to create 12,000 jobs when complete.
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Viscount Camrose, 海角视频 cyber minister, said: “With technology developing faster than ever it is vital we make the most of the 海角视频’s growing cyber and digital expertise – to keep us safe and reap the benefits of innovation like ground-breaking healthcare research and growing our economy.
“The Western Gateway’s work in bringing together local authorities, tech companies and academics to capitalise on the thriving industries in South Wales and the West of England will create more highly paid jobs and further strengthen the 海角视频s position as a cyber power."
The launch took place at Cheltenham’s new £9.27m Minister Exchange (MX) Innovation Centre - a state-of-the-art workspace for the cyber tech, digital and creative sectors and a Growth Hub to support business development.
Sarah Williams-Gardener, chair of the Western Gateway, said: “A tech supercluster is not defined by one particular physical place working in isolation; it is where great minds collaborate, challenge and convene across business, government and academia."
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Those behind the plans are also hoping to attract new investment to South Wales and the West of England.
Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of Torfaen County Borough Council and chair of CCR Committee, said: “Through teaming up with Western Gateway partners, we want to help breakdown any barriers to collaboration for businesses across the border and attract new investors.”