UK backs smaller AI projects while scrapping major investments
The UK government has announced a £32 million investment in almost 100 cutting-edge AI projects across the country. However, this comes against the backdrop of a controversial decision by the new Labour government to scrap £1.3 billion in funding originally promised by the Conservatives for tech and AI initiatives.
Announced today, the £32 million will bolster 98 projects spanning a diverse range of sectors, utilising AI to boost everything from construction site safety to the efficiency of prescription deliveries. More than 200 businesses and research organisations, from Southampton to Birmingham and Northern Ireland, are set to benefit.
Rick McConnell, CEO of Dynatrace, said:
“Today’s announcement sends a clear signal that the UK is open for business and is ready to support, rather than hinder firms looking to invest in shaping our AI-driven future. These 98 projects stand out because they are focused on specific and tangible use cases that have strong potential to drive immediate value for businesses and consumers.
The early successes realised by these government-funded projects will ultimately increase confidence in AI, spurring further investments from the private sector and enhancing the UK’s reputation as a global leader in AI.”
This latest announcement is overshadowed by the Labour government’s decision to scrap a significant chunk of funding previously earmarked for major tech projects. These include £800 million for the development of a state-of-the-art exascale supercomputer at Edinburgh University and a further £500 million for AI Research Resource, which provides crucial computing power for AI research.
Both of the major funds were unveiled less than a year ago by the previous Conservative government. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has stated that the £1.3 billion was pledged by the former administration but was never formally allocated within its budget.
Minister for Digital Government and AI, Feryal Clark, championed the government’s commitment to AI:
“AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK – not only growing our economy but improving our public services. That’s why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial – backing a range of projects which could reduce train delays, give us new ways of maintaining our vital infrastructure, and improve experiences for patients by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them.
We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I’m confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition.”
Among the projects receiving funding is V-Lab, awarded £165,006 to enhance their AI construction training software, and Nottingham-based Anteam, who will leverage AI to optimise NHS prescription deliveries.
Another notable recipient is Hack Partners, tasked with developing an autonomous system for monitoring and maintaining the UK’s rail infrastructure. Cambridge-based Monumo received £750,152 to develop advanced electric vehicle motor designs using AI.
Dr Kedar Pandya, UKRI Technology Missions Fund Senior Responsible Owner, commented:
“These projects will drive AI innovation and economic growth in a diverse range of high-growth industry sectors in all nations of the UK. They complement other investments made through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, which are already helping to boost growth and productivity across the UK by harnessing the power of AI and other transformative technologies.”
These smaller initiatives, however, stand in stark contrast to the ambitious, large-scale projects abandoned by the Labour government. The decision to scrap the exascale supercomputer and cut funding for crucial AI research infrastructure has sparked debate about the UK’s commitment to remaining competitive.
While the £32 million investment signals continued support for AI development, the shadow of the £1.3 billion funding cut looms large. The long-term impact of this decision on the UK’s ability to foster groundbreaking technological advancements remains to be seen.
“Investing in AI-driven innovation will be essential to organisations’ ability to compete on the global stage. There is no doubt that, if implemented successfully, AI has the ability to improve efficiencies, turbocharge innovation, and streamline operations across all sectors,” McConnell concludes.
(Photo by Steve Johnson)
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