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First-ever AI Strategy for UKRI marks bold plan to make AI deliver for UK’s cutting-edge science and research efforts

25 February 20261 min read
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First-ever AI Strategy for UKRI marks bold plan to make AI deliver for UK’s cutting-edge science and research efforts

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has set out its first-ever AI Strategy backed by £1.6 billion for the AI sector between now and the end of the decade. This will build on the UK’s strengths in computing and agentic AI to support breakthroughs in healthcare, energy, public services and beyond making AI work for good.   

Investment under this new strategy will focus on 6 priority areas: 

  • Advancing technology development 

  • Transforming research through AI 

  • Developing AI skills and talent 

  • Accelerating innovation for economic growth and societal benefit

  • Championing responsible and trustworthy AI

  • Building world-class AI data and infrastructure

This strategy demonstrates UKRI’s intention invest in mathematics, computer science and engineering research. This is what underpins AI expertise and will turn the UK’s scientific and research excellence into economic advantage by supporting regional clusters, creating new jobs and backing technologies with high-growth potential.

Read the full UKRI AI Research and Innovation Strategic Framework here.

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