New TCS AI Hub in London to Collaborate with UK Startups and Universities

India's top IT company, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has opened its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Experience Zone and Design Studio in London. The firm said it would be creating 5,000 new UK-based jobs within the next three years. The expansion is the firm's increased investment in the UK, as well as a focus on innovation.

TCS currently supports over 42,000 direct and indirect jobs in the UK. According to the company, it will contribute £3.3 billion (approximately ₹350 billion) to the British economy in FY24. "TCS has strengthened its strategic investment commitment in the UK by launching a new AI Experience Zone and Design Studio in London, creating 5,000 new jobs over the next three years," the company said in a statement.

The new London hub is a refreshed iteration of TCS's Paceport Innovation Centre. It will enable client collaboration, design thinking, and digital innovation in the UK. The studio is the company's second global design hub, after the newly opened TCS Design Studio in New York. This new hub will work with UK startups, universities, and research institutions to create new AI-based business solutions.

Vinay Singhvi, Head of TCS UK and Ireland, said, "The UK is our second largest global market. We are committed to further expanding our business and technology initiatives here."

TCS's announcement comes at a time when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first official visit to India. During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated that India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028. He also stated that Britain will be India's strategic partner in this growth journey. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between India and the UK in July is expected to further boost trade relations between the two countries. This agreement aims to double bilateral trade by 2030.

On Thursday, a business delegation accompanying the British Prime Minister visited TCS's Banyan Park campus in Mumbai. British Investment Minister Jason Stockwood said, "It was a wonderful experience to visit the TCS campus and witness their technological innovations. The Tata Group has been a symbol of leadership and entrepreneurship for over 150 years. This partnership will inject new energy into the economies of both countries." This move by TCS will not only boost employment in the UK but also give a new direction to the India-UK technology partnership. This expansion in the fields of AI and design innovation will further strengthen India's global technology leadership.