03 Jun 2025

AI Factory Antenna Applications Now Open

The UK government is inviting public sector organisations to put themselves forward to host an AI Factory Antenna, a new kind of regional hub designed to connect local innovation with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure across Europe.

This is part of a wider initiative from the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (JU) and supports the UK’s ongoing effort to strengthen AI research, development and access across the country.

Bringing AI Infrastructure Closer to Communities

AI Factory Antennas will act as regional access points to large-scale European AI Factories. These hubs are designed to make it easier for local institutions such as universities, public services and tech startups to access the tools and computing power they need to build and deploy AI solutions.

Each Antenna will play a hands-on role in supporting innovation by:

  • Offering training, workshops and technical support for local teams

  • Providing access to advanced computing infrastructure

  • Creating space for collaboration between government, industry and academia

  • Helping turn ideas into scalable AI applications

This setup is especially valuable for regions that may not have existing access to high-end computing or dedicated AI resources.

Supporting Innovation Where It Happens

By backing regional Antennas, the government aims to spread AI capabilities more evenly across the UK. This initiative is designed to:

  • Empower local teams to explore and apply AI to real-world challenges

  • Connect more UK organisations to international networks and resources

  • Encourage responsible and inclusive growth in the AI sector

  • Strengthen the UK’s ability to lead in AI on the global stage

Whether it is improving healthcare services, developing climate tech or supporting smart transport, these hubs are meant to give people the tools to make meaningful change.

Key Dates to Know

If your organisation is considering applying, here are the key timelines to keep in mind:

Expression of Interest (UK stage)
Submit your application by 11 June 2025 at 11:59pm (BST) to be considered for UK endorsement.

Full proposal to EuroHPC JU
If selected, you will then have until 9 July 2025 at 5:00pm (CEST) to submit your proposal to the European call.

For more information or to apply, visit the official UK government page.


Theophile Maiziere

Theophile Maiziere

Policy Manager - EU, techUK

Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.

Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.

Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.

Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam. 

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/théophile-maiziere-a32772111

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Laura Foster

Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Meet the team 

Sue Daley OBE

Sue Daley OBE

Director, Technology and Innovation

Laura Foster

Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Chris Hazell

Chris Hazell

Programme Manager - Cloud, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Usman Ikhlaq

Usman Ikhlaq

Programme Manager - Artificial Intelligence, techUK

Tess Buckley

Tess Buckley

Programme Manager - Digital Ethics and AI Safety, techUK

Elis Thomas

Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Harriet Allen

Harriet Allen

Programme Assistant, Technology and Innovation, techUK

 

 

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