Artificial Intelligence
Looking for a new challenge? The UK is a natural choice for a career in artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence: It’s a human business. That’s why the UK provides the investment and infrastructure for some of the brightest minds on the planet to excel in their field. And it’s this drive for innovation that’s led to the UK becoming a global leader in the AI sector.
We’re home to some of the most innovative AI companies in the world including Google DeepMind, Anthropic, Palantir, OpenAI, Inflection, Humanloop, Wayve and Cohere; as well as globally recognised brands with a significant investment in AI, such as Rolls-Royce. Plus, you’ll find a vibrant start-up ecosystem, integrated into cities with centuries of historical and cultural significance.
Our Vision
A strategy for growth
The UK is a world leader in Artificial Intelligence and is the prominent AI hub of Europe.[1]
The UK is taking a leading role in advancing the development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) globally.
The economic opportunities for AI in the UK are vast: the UK AI market already contributes £5.8 billion to our economy, employs over 60,000 people, and is predicted to grow rapidly in the next ten years.
The UK government is committed to supporting a vibrant nationwide AI ecosystem that can scale and win globally. We want to make sure that global AI companies want to call the UK home, attract the world’s best AI scientists, and boost the responsible adoption of AI across all parts of the economy.
We are addressing the challenges faced by AI companies by providing tax relief, investments in R&D, and supporting organisations to strengthen the foundations they need to adopt AI. This includes knowledge, data, skills, talent, IP protections, and assurance measures.
We are helping people to build the knowledge and confidence they need to use AI tools every day, giving them the ability to transform businesses and improve lives.
Investment
Leading the way in Europe
The UK is third in the world for AI investment[1], and we attract twice as much venture capital investment into AI companies, compared to France and Germany combined.[2]
There are more than 3,000 AI companies in the UK, generating more than £10 billion in revenues, employing more than 60,000 people in AI related roles, and contributing £5.8 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA).
Projections by Microsoft, utilising LinkedIn data, estimate that the UK has capacity to create over 340,000 more jobs in data analysis, machine learning and AI by 2025.[3]
[2] Source: cityoflondon.gov.uk UK leading investment in Europe, 30 October 2023
[3] Microsoft Data Science utilising LinkedIn data
Investment
The numbers behind R&D
UK Research and Innovation has a current investment portfolio of more than £1 billion supporting research and innovation activities related to AI.
UK Research and Innovation has a current investment portfolio of more than £1 billion supporting research and innovation activities related to AI. This includes:
- £135 million in people and skills – Including £117 million in AI Centres for Doctoral Training.
- £530 million in research and innovation – Including £129 million for novel algorithm tools and techniques, and £401 million in the applications and implications of AI.
- £410 million in key strategic investments using or supporting the development of AI – Including supporting The Alan Turing Institute, The Hartree Centre and Health Data Research UK.
This funding will support 65 Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), training over 4,000 doctoral students in critical technologies such as AI, quantum technologies and semiconductors.
The UK government supports AI research by collaborating with academic institutions and industry, investing in talent development, and funding research projects. These investments are part of a broader effort to enhance the UK’s position as a global leader in AI research and innovation, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of AI advancements.
