The Welsh AI ecosystem, all in one place
The Welsh AI ecosystem directory lists more than 250 AI companies, startups, consultants, researchers and universities across Wales, maintained by AI Wales, the trading name of Tech Literacy CIC. Welsh AI activity concentrates in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham and North Wales, spanning fintech, cybersecurity, semiconductors and manufacturing, energy and renewables, and agriculture and environment — the five sectors AI Wales runs dedicated AI Councils for, aligned with Welsh Government economic priorities. The directory covers vendors, service providers, academic research groups and investors, and a listing is free. AI Wales itself resells no AI platform and takes no vendor commission, so the directory reflects who is active in Wales rather than who paid to appear. It is the starting point for finding an AI implementation partner, seeking investment for an AI startup, or opening a collaboration with a Welsh university research group.
Whether you're looking for an AI implementation partner, seeking investment for your AI startup, or exploring collaboration opportunities with Welsh universities — the ecosystem directory helps you find the right connections.
Organisation categories
The Welsh AI ecosystem spans six categories, from enterprise adopters and AI-native startups to research institutions and investors. Each plays a vital role in Wales's AI growth.
Enterprise & Scale-up
80+Established Welsh businesses applying AI to operations, products, and customer experiences. From FTSE-listed financial services firms implementing fraud detection to manufacturers deploying predictive maintenance.
Examples: Financial services, insurance, professional services, retail
AI-Native Startups
45+Welsh-founded companies with AI as their core business model. Building products across machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and conversational AI.
Examples: SaaS platforms, ML tooling, vertical AI solutions
Consultants & Experts
60+Independent AI practitioners and advisory firms based in Wales. Offering strategy consulting, implementation support, training, and fractional AI leadership to organisations of all sizes.
Examples: AI strategy, implementation, training, fractional CTO/CDO
Universities & Research
12Welsh higher education institutions and research centres advancing AI knowledge. Cardiff University, Swansea University, University of South Wales, and specialist research groups.
Examples: Cardiff NLP, Swansea computational research, USW data science
Public Sector
30+Welsh public sector organisations leading responsible AI adoption. NHS Wales trusts, local authorities, Welsh Government departments, and arms-length bodies implementing AI for public benefit.
Examples: NHS Wales, local councils, Welsh Government, CDPS
Investors & Enablers
20+Venture capital firms, angel investors, accelerators, and business support organisations backing Welsh AI innovation. Providing capital, mentorship, and go-to-market support.
Examples: Development Bank of Wales, Accelerate Wales, angel networks
Regional coverage
The ecosystem spans all regions of Wales, with distinct AI clusters emerging around different sectors and capabilities.
Cardiff & South East Wales
120+ orgsFintech, professional services, public sector, startups
Swansea & South West Wales
50+ orgsManufacturing, energy, healthcare, university research
Newport & M4 Corridor
35+ orgsCybersecurity, semiconductors, logistics, data centres
North Wales
45+ orgsAgriculture, tourism, manufacturing, Welsh language AI
Why join the ecosystem?
Being listed in the AI Wales ecosystem directory connects you with the entire Welsh AI community and signals your commitment to responsible AI adoption.
Visibility
Get discovered by potential clients, partners, and collaborators searching for AI expertise in Wales.
Connections
Connect with complementary organisations across the ecosystem — find partners, suppliers, and talent.
Credibility
Association with AI Wales signals commitment to the Welsh AI community and responsible AI practices.
Opportunities
Early access to partnership opportunities, speaking slots, pilot programmes, and funding connections.
How the directory works
Join AI Wales
Sign up for free membership to access the ecosystem directory and community features.
Create your profile
Add your organisation details, AI capabilities, sector focus, and contact information.
Get discovered
Your profile becomes searchable by other members looking for AI partners, suppliers, or collaborators in Wales.
Connect and collaborate
Use the directory to find and reach out to organisations that complement your work.
Frequently asked questions
How many tech startups are there in Wales?
The AI Wales ecosystem directory lists over 250 Welsh organisations working with AI, spanning AI-native startups, established scale-ups, consultants, university research groups, public sector bodies and investors. It is the most complete public map of the Welsh AI and technology community, and membership is free.
Where is the Welsh tech startup community based?
Wales has several distinct clusters rather than one hub. Cardiff concentrates fintech, professional services and creative technology. Newport covers cybersecurity and compound semiconductors. Swansea Bay focuses on manufacturing, energy and health tech. North Wales has growing agri-tech and advanced manufacturing activity around Wrexham and Bangor.
How do I join the Welsh technology community?
AI Wales membership is free and includes a listing in the ecosystem directory, access to regional chapters in Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham and North Wales, sector councils, and the events programme. Most people start by attending a local chapter meetup or a networking event.
Are there tech networking events in Cardiff?
Yes. AI Wales runs a Cardiff chapter with regular meetups, plus roundtables, workshops and showcase events across the year. Cardiff events typically cover fintech, professional services and public sector AI, and are open to members and non-members.
Get listed
Join AI Wales for free to be included in the ecosystem directory, connect with 250+ Welsh AI organisations, and access events, training, and community resources.
Join free