A new investment fund is channelling millions into Yorkshire and Northern England to accelerate the growth of early-stage artificial intelligence companies across key sectors.
The Oberon Yorkshire AI EIS Fund, launched in partnership with tech incubator Yorkshire AI Labs (YAIL), will focus on AI-led businesses in manufacturing, healthcare, transport, and financial services. The initiative is designed to position the region as a national hub for AI innovation, leveraging its strong academic base, industrial legacy, and expanding tech ecosystem.
YAIL will play a central role in sourcing and scaling portfolio companies, drawing from its experience incubating ventures such as IntelliAM AI (industrial AI), PureTec (sustainable orthodontics), and DigitalCNC (precision manufacturing). The incubator combines capital, commercial support, and founder partnerships to build investor-ready businesses.
This marks a strategic push to drive regional tech-led economic growth, develop high-performance ventures, and unlock northern AI talent. The move follows a broader trend of decentralising tech investment from London and the South East, with increased focus on regional ecosystems capable of delivering global-scale outcomes.
