Glasgow has been named as the third most AI-ready city outside of London, ranking third behind Bristol (second) and Manchester (first).

This data comes from the annual AI Cities 2026 Index produced by data and AI company SAS. The annual index, now in its fifth year, evaluates cities outside of London across eight key criteria, including job opportunities, innovation funding secured, education opportunities, broadband speed, and business activity in the AI sector.

Glasgow scored highly in the index thanks to the city’s high number of graduates moving into computing and engineering-focused roles and the second-highest number of jobs relating to AI within a five-mile radius of the city, boasting 52 opportunities. The index revealed that 76.97% of students from the University stayed in the city to continue working in ‘highly skilled’ AI roles. Similarly, the city is also on par with index leader Manchester, offering 12 AI-related courses at the University of Glasgow.

The University of Glasgow recently launched a new research centre, set to develop the city and revolutionise urban life. Called ‘The Centre for Integrated Sensing and Communication Enabling Cognitive Cities’, it aims to utilise the data that will be gathered by 6G communications technologies to create cities that are like ‘ecosystems’, aiming to make spaces healthier, safer, and more sustainable for residents.

Manchester topped the list for the third year running, maintaining its leadership position through a combination of educational strength, business activity and AI employment.

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Glyn Townsend, Senior Director of Education Services at SAS for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “Glasgow’s rise from seventh to third place in this year’s index is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the region’s dedication to bettering not only itself but other cities through the Centre for Integrated Sensing and Communication Enabling Cognitive Cities. It is clear that Glasgow is actively seeking to strengthen its AI sector, recognising how it can be used to boost jobs, increase opportunities and assist in long-term economic growth.

“SAS has one of its three global R&D centres based in Glasgow and we recently announced plans to invest more than £20million this year in the centre. It has pioneered AI solutions to address client issues relating to areas such as fraud, risk, compliance, customer intelligence, and data management.”