The UK and Germany have agreed to partner on a number of tech projects ranging from quantum computing to clean energy as part of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to London since taking office.
As part of the agreement, a project has been launched to accelerate the development of clean energy battery technology, backed by £500,000 from Innovate UK’s International Science Partnerships Fund.
The rollout of several other technological innovations is set to be accelerated through a raft of joint initiatives and knowledge exchange programmes.
“Germany is our biggest research partner in Europe, and our researchers have worked together on countless game changing innovations, from lifesaving vaccines to breakthroughs in sustainable chemistry which are helping key parts of the economy slash both costs and their environmental footprint,” said Tech Secretary Peter Kyle.
“Today’s agreement puts our relationship on an even stronger footing, helping enable both our countries to pioneer emerging technologies that are already key to economic growth, from AI through fusion to quantum and the next generation of batteries.
The deal comes as major German AI firms Cognigy and osapiens announce plans to expand their UK workforce and invest a total of £80m in the country.
“Teaming up with likeminded nations like Germany to harness the huge potential of these technologies is an essential part of delivering on our Plan for Change,” Kyle added.
“It gives our researchers and innovators the best opportunities to attract international investment and expertise and turn their groundbreaking ideas into thriving start-ups and businesses.”
The deals were among several agreed during Merz’s visit to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which also saw the UK and German agree to the Kensington Treaty, a wide-ranging document that commits the two nations to collaborate on security and defence.
Last week, during a visit from President Emmanuel Macron, the UK signed a similar tech collaboration agreement with France that included a supercomputing partnership.
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