About this AI 4 Good LCR Entrepreneur role at Public Life
AI 4 Good LCR is a free programme, November to March, backing ten local people to build a business that tackles a real problem for people in the Liverpool City Region, with AI helping them do it. It runs in person in Liverpool from November 2026 to March 2027.
Know a local problem? Have an idea to tackle it? Get backed to build your business with AI.
No AI experience needed. AI might be at the heart of what you're building, or it might work in the background: handling admin, reaching customers, managing your money. If you don't know yet how you'd use it, we'll help you work it out.
No CV, qualifications or tech skills needed either. What matters is the problem you want to solve, why you're the right person to solve it, and your drive to make it happen.
How to apply
Answer three short questions (250 words max each) in your own words:
- What problem do you want to solve, and how?
- Why you?
- How could AI help?
Once you've applied, we'll email you a link to record a video pitch of up to three minutes. A recording on your phone is fine. We'll send the link within a few hours of you applying, and you'll have 24 hours to record it. Check your spam folder if it hasn't arrived.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 1 November 2026. Interviews with Public Life and the University of Liverpool will be held in Liverpool between Wednesday 4 and Friday 6 November, and we'll email everyone who is shortlisted by Tuesday 3 November. The programme starts on 10 November.
If the online form or video isn't right for you, email [email protected] and we'll find another way. Information session dates and FAQs are at www.publiclife.org.uk.
Requirements
Can I apply?
You can apply if you can tick all four:
- Your venture is based in, and serves, the Liverpool City Region
- It's pre-registered, pre-trading, or trading for less than 24 months
- It tackles a problem in one of four priority areas: transport and destinations; health and social care; education and skills; or social mobility
- You can commit fully from November to March: nine fixed days (two kick-off days on 10 and 11 November, six cohort days and the showcase), a fortnightly session with the University's AI experts, and taking part in the independent evaluation
What we're looking for
1. A real problem. Faced by people in the Liverpool City Region, that your venture will tackle to improve outcomes, access or opportunity for them.
2. Lived experience. You've experienced or witnessed this problem first-hand and understand its impact.
3. A role for AI. In what you offer, or in how you run your business, used fairly and responsibly. You don't need to be a tech expert.
4. Entrepreneurial drive. The passion and drive to be an entrepreneur, and the commitment to see it through to March.
About AI 4 Good LCR
Delivered by Public Life for the University of Liverpool's Institute of Digital Engineering and Autonomous Systems (IDEAS) and Virtual Engineering Centre, in collaboration with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Funded through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Integrated Settlement allocation provided by UK Government.
Benefits
What you'll get, free, November to March
- University AI experts. A fortnightly one-to-one with the Virtual Engineering Centre, in person or online. Before Christmas they help you work out where AI fits. From the new year they build it with you.
- AI tools and coaching. Hands-on help from our AI coach every Thursday afternoon at Central Tech.
- Your own business advisor. Dedicated support through the week, with a monthly review of your plan and next step.
- Training and masterclasses. Six cohort days with workshops, masterclasses from city region partners and peer learning.
- Real-world testing. Show your AI working at the Insights day in January, test it with customers in February, and present it at the Anfield showcase in March.
- Drop-in days. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Central Tech, with your advisor on hand.
By March you'll have a working prototype or a tested change to how you run your business, and a plan for what comes next. Everything you build is yours. The programme is free and we take no equity.
