Kyndryl opens AI Innovation Lab Liverpool as company expands partnership with The Very Group

Kyndryl has opened an AI Innovation Lab in Liverpool at the Royal Liver Building. The goal is to grow the team and create up to 1,000 software engineering and AI related roles within three years.  

The facility will be used to advise businesses in adopting and implementing AI, emerging technologies and software and platform engineering solutions. It will include a Kyndryl Vital Studio, led by Kyndryl Consult, allowing customers to tackle complex and real-world business challenges through designer led, open collaboration and co-creation. 

As part of the opening, Kyndryl is expanding its partnership with The Very Group, the Liverpool-based operator of digital retailers Very and Littlewoods, through a new multi-year agreement. Kyndryl will provide software and platform engineering support, helping The Very Group launch new products at speed and enhance the digital customer experience. 

John Chambers, Kyndryl United Kingdom & Ireland President, says: “We are exceptionally proud to invest in the Liverpool city region by opening the Kyndryl AI Innovation Lab Liverpool that champions collaboration, creative excellence and digital curiosity. Choosing the Royal Liver Building was a proactive decision to celebrate the city’s rich heritage, while aligning with our sustainability goals of achieving net zero emissions by 2040.” 

“With businesses eager to develop AI capabilities, our new Kyndryl AI Innovation Lab Liverpool represents a significant step in addressing the AI skills gap,” he adds. “Only 29% of leaders currently feel prepared for AI related challenges, yet the demand for these skills continues to grow. By fostering AI innovation here in Liverpool, we aim to ensure that organisations – both locally and beyond – are ready to capitalise on the transformative power of AI.”  

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, says: “The Royal Liver Building has stood as a symbol of our region’s ambition and identity for over a century - so it’s fitting that it is to become home to a project that’s looking firmly to the future.” 

“Kyndryl’s new AI Innovation Lab is a major investment in our region and a massive show of confidence in the talent we have here. It will bring with up to 1,000 quality jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people - helping to put our residents at the heart of one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. 

“I want the Liverpool city region to be a leader in artificial intelligence, but the kind that makes a difference to people’s lives. AI that’s ethical, inclusive, and used for good. And with the skills, the infrastructure and the political will we’ve built, I believe we’re in the perfect place to make that happen.” 

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.