The Technology Department has assembled leaders from the UK’s fastest-growing AI companies to discuss ways to ensure British firms can grow and scale without leaving the country.
In a discussion chaired by AI Minister Kanishka Narayan and recently appointed AI ambassador and Monzo co-founder Tom Blomfield, tech leaders will aim to spotlight the domestic support available for UK-based AI companies to ensure the sector remains competitive.
Among the leaders assembled are figures from Synthesia, Isomorphic Labs, PolyAI and Quantexa.
“Start up, scale up, and stay – that’s the simple mission we have for British AI firms. The talent behind the unicorn companies of tomorrow is already here, so it’s our job to give them the support they need to thrive,” said Narayan.
“Bringing founders together like this is essential. It’s how we unlock more jobs, drive more investment and deliver the world‑leading innovations that will transform public services and lift living standards across the UK.”
The UK is currently considered the third-largest AI power in the world, behind the US and China. As well its mission of growing the British AI sector, the government has also stated its ambition to ensure high-growth firms can access enough funding and resources in their home market to scale into later-stage businesses.
Research published this month by HSBC Innovation Banking and Dealroom found a strong environment of late-stage VC funding in the UK last year, offering hope of reversing the historical trend of British funding being too tied to the startup stage.
“Britain has everything it takes to be the best place in the world to build and grow AI companies, from world class research and talent to a vibrant ecosystem of founders, investors and customers,” said Blomfield.
“My job is to bring what founders are seeing on the ground into government, so we can focus on the changes that matter most and help more people take the leap from a great idea to a world-changing business, built and scaled here in the UK.”
