UK Government announces new AI Research lab as part of £1.6bn Strategy

Last week, plans for a new UK government-backed AI research lab were announced [1]. This comes as an early first step towards delivery of the UKRI AI Strategy, in which plans were unveiled for over £1.6 billion in funding directly targeted at the AI sector between now and 2030 [2].

The new lab will support high-risk scientific work in AI, looking to solve longstanding problems in how AI works, such as hallucinations, unreliable memory, and unpredictable reasoning. It is hoped that the UK’s AI experts will apply to join with their “boldest and most ambitious proposals”. 

An initial £40 million in UK government funding over the next six years has been pledged for the lab. Additionally, access to the AI Research Resource – AI-optimised, high-performance computing facilities – will also be provided. A successful applicant to join the lab could receive up to £9.4 million as the maximum award. 

Whilst a first step will be welcomed, it is certain that those passionate about UK AI look forward to seeing the full delivery plan and further details of where the full strategy funding will be targeted.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-create-new-lab-to-keep-uk-in-the-fast-lane-on-ai-breakthroughs

[2] https://www.marks-clerk.com/insights/latest-insights/102mjwh-first-ever-framework-for-ai-in-the-uk/