US-based tech giant OpenAI is expanding its relationship with the British government with plans to heavily invest in UK AI infrastructure as the firm prepares to increase its office space in London.
The ChatGPT developer on Monday evening signed a strategic partnership with the UK government committing it to support the expansion of essential AI infrastructure, notably data centres, as well as additional support in finding ways to use AI technology to improve public services.
Signed by chief executive Sam Altman and UK Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, the memorandum of understanding commits the company to backing the infrastructure priorities laid out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which stated the UK must rapidly expand its computing capacity.
“AI is a core technology for nation building that will transform economies and deliver growth. Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its government was one of the first to recognise the potential of AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan,” Altman said.
“Now, it’s time to deliver on the plan’s goals by turning ambition to action and delivering prosperity for all.”
OpenAI at the same time has announced it will be increasing the size of its London office, which became its first international location two years ago. Details of its UK expansion are expected in the coming days.
Though not legally binding, the agreement also opens the door for OpenAI to invest in and support UK AI Growth Zones, regions in Britain that will be designated for the swift approval and development of data centres and other relevant infrastructure.
“We need to make sure Britain is front and centre when it comes to developing and deploying AI, so we can make sure it works for us,” Kyle added.
“This can’t be achieved without companies like OpenAI, who are driving this revolution forward internationally. This partnership will see more of their work taking place in the UK, creating high-paid tech jobs, driving investment in infrastructure, and crucially giving our country agency over how this world-changing technology moves forward.”
The partnership is one of several that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has made recently with the world’s largest tech companies.
Earlier this month, Google Cloud agreed to work with the British government to upgrade public service technology and upskill civil servants.
Read more: Sam Altman celebrates ‘pivotal’ role of UK AI developers
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