Barclays is collaborating with major tech firms including Microsoft and Nvidia as it announced the launch of a new Innovation Hub based in Shoreditch, London.
The Innovation Hub aims to provide collaborative workspaces for around 150 technology companies, offering a range of events, workshops and growth programmes.
Powered by Barclays Eagle Labs, the bank’s incubation initiative, the new Hub will focus on accelerating the commercial growth of start-ups in the AI, deep tech and innovation economy sectors by connecting founders, industry leaders and investors.
The bank said that the partners involved will play ‘a key role’ in shaping the Hub, with plans to meet regularly to discuss how the space can develop, grow and further support the companies operating in it.
Key partners in the project, including Nvidia, Conception X, Microsoft, Databricks, Innovate Finance and Twin Path Ventures, will be able to establish relationships with the businesses in the hub.
The bank added that the Barclays Innovation banking team will also be on site to provide advisory services.
Hannah Bernard, head of business banking at Barclays, said that the UK’s innovation ecosystem “cannot afford to rest on its laurels”, adding that the new hub intends to play a key role in shaping the next generation of UK technology companies.
“Our innovation banking specialists will be on hand to provide tailored support to founders, helping them raise capital, develop business skills and accelerate their growth,” she added.
Anthony Hills, UK country manager of Nvidia, explained that the hub aims to work as a catalyst for upskilling the UK’s workforce in AI.
“Nvidia’s contributions to the Innovation Hub supports our broader commitment to upskill UK developers with AI skills,” he said.
The move comes after Nvidia announced on Monday that it will collaborate with the UK government to boost AI capabilities in the country.
Speaking at London Tech Week 2025, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang kicked off the day with the news, revealing plans to accelerate AI innovation, attract global talent, and position the UK as a leading AI technology hub.
