The UK government has announced a £1.1bn ($1.47bn) plan to grow domestic AI computing capabilities, including investment in a new national supercomputer and financial support for British semiconductor firms.
The announcement was made at London Tech Week on 8 June by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, following an earlier pledge of £400m by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the acquisition of specialist AI chips
The initiative aims to ensure the UK has the infrastructure and skilled workforce required to advance AI technologies and maintain competitiveness. The government stated that the strategy will also support the growth of British chip companies, enhance national security, and promote job creation. Funding will be directed towards research, skills training, and early-stage support for firms developing novel chip designs.
The AI Hardware Plan includes £750m allocated for a national AI supercomputer, intended to become one of the most advanced globally when operational in 2030. The system, described as a “heterogeneous mixed chip system”, is set to combine both established and next-generation processors. The government indicated a preference for including British-designed chips as part of the infrastructure.