UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the largest public research funder, has set out its first-ever AI strategy as the government doubles down on the technology.
AI already forms a core element of UKRI’s plans, with a record £1.6bn of funding committed to directly funding the sector over the next four years in the recent Spending Review, representing the biggest single investment area for 2026 to 2030.
The body’s new strategy not only commits it to making major investments in the field but will also see it expand the availability of doctoral and fellowship routes, co-designed with businesses, to support of pipeline of talent to the industry.
“We have a world-class tradition in mathematics and computer science. This strategy will turn that research excellence into national advantage,” said Prof Charlotte Deane, senior responsible owner for the UKRI AI programme and executive chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
“To do that, we must make bold choices in areas where the UK can genuinely lead the world. UKRI will play a central role in backing the full innovation pathway from fundamental research to prototypes to scale-up.
“By uniting universities, businesses, industry and government we can unlock the potential we have long had but have not yet fully mobilised.”
The announcement comes as amid the AI Impact Summit taking place this week in India. The UK’s delegation is being led by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and AI Minister Kanishka Narayan.
“The UK is backing its pioneering AI leadership with more than £1.6bn in investment to make sure the best of British expertise develops the next wave of AI innovations. Together we are turning potential into progress and that’s the ambition I am bringing to the AI Summit in India this week,” said Lammy.
“From spotting cancers earlier to cutting backlogs in public services, new research into AI will be a game-changer, bringing the promise of tomorrow’s technologies to the UK today.”
Narayan added: “The potential of combining our AI expertise with our peerless R&D community is a game-changer. This plan will harness AI to accelerate both the pace and possibility of scientific endeavour.
“We are already seeing AI change the game for what’s possible in fields from health, to energy, and beyond. Boldly backing this technology is how we push our Great British innovators to further success, and build a path to breakthroughs that boost our health, wealth, and wellbeing.”
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