Tag: Department for Science Innovation and Technology

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 16 February 2026.

UK and international partners to redouble efforts for AI to transform public services, create jobs and drive renewal for people worldwide at AI Impact Summit.

• UK and international partners to redouble efforts for AI to transform public services, create jobs and drive renewal for people worldwide, as talks get underway at India AI Impact Summit 2026
• Talks build on the Bletchley, Seoul, and Paris AI summits – focusing AI’s impact on citizens, growth and sustainability
• Deputy PM and AI Minister lead UK delegation with a range of planned engagements and moves to support global AI innovation

The UK will use the AI Impact Summit in India this week to champion how AI can supercharge growth, unlock new jobs, improve public services and deliver benefits for people across the globe.

Led by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and AI Minister Kanishka Narayan, the UK delegation begins a week of discussions focused on how AI can improve everyday life– not just in advanced economies but in every corner of the world.

They will make the case that AI is the engine of renewal – helping doctors diagnose faster, teachers personalise learning, councils deliver services in minutes, and businesses create the next generation of good jobs.

The Summit follows the momentum of the Bletchley, Seoul and Paris AI summits, where the UK has consistently shaped the global agenda. At home Britain is powering ahead – deepening partnerships with leading tech firms, working with international governments and delivering on the AI Opportunities Action Plan to unlock jobs and investment.

Since taking office in the summer of 2024, the government has attracted more than £100 billion worth of private investment alone into the UK’s AI sector – highlighting the huge appetite from global backers to support British AI expertise.

The UK and India are natural tech partners, with major Indian tech companies like Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro already expanding in the UK. Their backing follows hot on the heels of the PM’s visit to Mumbai in October, where a combined £1.3 billion of investments was pumped into the UK by Indian firms.

UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said:

The UK is leading the way on AI innovations and expertise. We are rightly a magnet for investment and talent from across the globe. 

This Summit is an important moment in determining how we can work together with our international partners to unlock the full benefits and potential of AI, while baking in robust and fair safety standards that protect us all. 

We are turning ambition into action to deliver UK jobs, growth and prosperity. The business leaders joining us in India will build concrete partnerships and secure investment that delivers opportunity for working people in the UK, India and across the globe.

UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said:

AI is the defining technology of our generation – and we’re determined to make sure it delivers for everyone. It can cut waiting times, transform public services, create new jobs and give hard working communities a fresh start – and that’s exactly the message we’re taking to the summit.

It is central to our plans for delivering national renewal but its benefits can’t and shouldn’t be reserved by the few.

That’s why the UK is leading from front, pushing a global vision for AI that helps people everywhere to learn more, earn more, and shape the future on their terms.

On the agenda this week, The Deputy Prime Minister is expected to speak on a high‑level panel on Friday about unlocking opportunity through global languages. He will announce new UK support for an African Language Hub, enabling AI to work in 40 African languages – making the technology more inclusive and accessible for millions.

This is 1 of 3 new initiatives being announced as part of the £58 million AI for Development (AI4D) programme to ensure that developing countries benefit fully from the AI revolution:

• Asian AI4D Observatory – supporting responsible AI innovation and governance across South and Southeast Asia.
• AI4D Compute Hub at the University of Cape Town – giving African innovators the compute power they need to turn ideas into impact.

Ahead of the Summit, Minister Narayan will also travel across India to see how our 2 countries are working together to reap the benefits of breakthrough tech – including at Indian Institute of Technology – Delhi, which holds India’s record for most unicorn startups produced, as well as travel to Bengaluru, often described as India’s Silicon Valley.

In New Delhi, the Deputy Prime Minister will explore new British and Indian innovations changing the world in AI and take part in a session looking at how AI can drive inclusive social empowerment and tackle inequality. 

Collaboration with India is critical to the UK’s ambitions in science and technology. The UK and India are investing tens of millions in cutting edge research – from better batteries and next generation telecoms for rural communities, to genomic medicine that could tackle rare diseases.

India is also a vitally important market for British businesses generally – with UK firms generating more than £47.5 billion in revenue from their business in India.

The Prime Minister joined PM Modi last year to unveil Vision 2035, a shared ambition for how the UK and India partner together to unlock the huge potential of this partnership. Unlocking new opportunities for growth across both economies, driving innovation, and shaping the technologies of tomorrow together are key pillars of that commitment.  

Notes to editors

Overall, the UK has contributed £58 million to the AI for Development programme, launched alongside partners at the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in 2023.

Projects being awarded UK support through the AI for Development (AI4D) programme, in partnership with Canada

Asia AI4D Observatory
This will support responsible AI innovation and governance across South and South East Asia – helping innovators and people in India, and right across the continent. This is work that will encourage AI adoption in Asia that aligns with development goals, protects people’s rights, and safeguards marginalised groups.

Masakhane African Languages Hub
Aiming to make AI accessible 40 African languages – benefitting up to 700 million people.

AI4D Compute Hub
To be based at the University of Cape Town and in partnership with Canada, UK investment will help build a new AI4D Compute Hub to democratise access to computing for innovators in Africa. The Hub will help Africa’s innovators access the compute infrastructure they need to bring their ideas to life. 

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 3 February 2026.

Scotland will host a new AI Growth Zone in Lanarkshire, supporting more than 3,400 jobs and helping drive economic growth as part of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

• Scotland to host new AI Growth Zone – a key pillar of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy – creating 3,400 highvalue jobs and boosting wages across the region over the coming years
• Strong links with universities and businesses to open new collaborations, as the delivery of dozens of apprenticeships to support the next generation of Scottish AI talent. 
• £8.2 billion in private investment committed with an additional £540 million to support the local community, help tackle the cost of living, and boost jobs
• Demonstrates rapid progress on AI, with over 75% of the AI Opportunities Action Plan already delivered, laying the groundwork for growth and transformed public services. 

Hardworking people in Lanarkshire will have access to the skills and opportunities they need to chase the jobs of the future, as AI is put to work to transform communities and livelihoods.  

Delivered by home-grown data centre company DataVita around their data centre site in Airdrie – and in partnership with AI cloud firm CoreWeave – the Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone announced by the Technology Secretary today (29 January) will bring more than 3,400 jobs over the course of the coming years (note), including delivering 50 apprenticeships to nurture the next generation of Scottish AI expertise.  

Of these jobs, around 800 are expected to focus on the high-paying AI jobs of the future, including everything from AI researchers and coders through to permanent staff who will run and maintain data centres. The rest will be made up of immediate construction jobs, as attention turns to building out the entire site, including data centres, supportive infrastructure, and a renewables park. 

Alongside £8.2 billion in private investment that will drive economic renewal in the local area, a new community fund will inject up to £543 million into support for a range of local programmes over the next 15 years (note). The money will come as a direct result of the work carried out at the site, being raised as data centre capacity comes online.  

From skills and training packages which will give people the tools they need for jobs in and working with AI, through to after-school coding clubs, and support for local charities and foodbanks – this is how the government is ensuring AI is delivering frontline support and opportunity for communities and playing an active role to bring down the cost of living. 

AI Growth Zones are just one of the many commitments the government has delivered one year on from the publication of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. In total the government has met 38 of its 50 commitments (note) with the public able to track progress in detail at a newly published interactive dashboard. 

In the past 12 months, the government has laid the foundations for long-term success, increased its AI computing power tenfold and launched a major skills drive which has already seen over one million free AI courses delivered.   

It is already delivering practical benefits – a third of chest x-rays in the NHS are AI-enabled, while AI is also helping the government function more efficiently by reducing the time taken to identify fraud by 80%. Meanwhile, Extract, the government-backed tool to digitise planning, is expected to be made available to all councils by Spring 2026, with a target to digitise all planning documents by the end of 2026. AI tutoring tools to narrow the attainment gap will also be co-developed this Summer and begin trials at the start of the next academic year. 

The UK AI sector is already the largest in Europe, raising £6 billion in 2025, which is an 80% increase from 2024. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

Getting on in life should not mean travelling miles from your community for work while struggling to pay the bills at home. 

By bringing billions of pounds of investment into Lanarkshire, we are creating good, wellpaid jobs and funding support that directly helps families with the cost of living.

With strong progress made on our AI Opportunities Action Plan over the past year, now is the time to put our foot on the accelerator and ensure working people feel the benefits in every corner of the UK.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:   

Today’s announcement is about creating good jobs, backing innovation and making sure the benefits AI will bring can be felt across the community – that’s how the UK government is delivering real change for the people of Scotland. 

From thousands of new jobs and billions in investment through to support for local people and their families, AI Growth Zones are bringing generation-defining opportunity to all corners of the country.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: 

Seizing the opportunities of AI is vital for getting jobs and growth in every part of the country. 

Our AI growth zones are doing just that – creating new opportunities for local communities and unlocking investment so businesses can grow and scale up, building an economy that works for working people.

Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said: 

North Lanarkshire’s proud industrial heritage helped power Britain through the last century – from coal and steel to manufacturing. Today, we’re writing the next chapter, as this community becomes home to an advanced AI site. The area will once again be at the very heart of Scotland’s and Britain’s industrial story. 

This is the UK government’s economic growth in action. Scotland’s AI Growth Zone, backed by £5 million of UK government investment will create more than 3,400 jobs and attract billions in investment. With 5 AI Growth Zones now across the UK, we are cementing our position as Europe’s leading tech sector. 

The UK government’s AI Growth Zone will bring new industries, good jobs and fresh opportunities to North Lanarkshire, but also boost the economy of the whole of central Scotland.

Danny Quinn, Managing Director of DataVita, said: 

Scotland has everything AI needs, the talent, the green energy, and now the infrastructure. But this goes beyond the physical buildings

We’re creating innovation parks, new energy infrastructure, and attracting inward investment from some of the world’s leading technology companies. This is a massive opportunity for North Lanarkshire & Scotland, and we want to make sure local people share in it.

The £543 million community fund means the benefits stay here, good jobs, new skills, and investment that actually reaches the people who live and work in this area.

Ben Richardson, Managing Director of CoreWeave International, said: 

The Lanarkshire AI Growth Zone marks a meaningful step in moving the UK from AI ambition into AI in production.

We’re proud to make this £1.5 billion investment with DataVita, delivering a production-grade AI cloud designed to run, scale, and evolve as AI becomes embedded across the economy.

That long-term approach is what supports economic growth and strengthens the UK’s position in AI.

Bolstering the benefits for local communities even further, DataVita’s parent company HFD Group will also contribute a separate £1 million per year towards local charities and community groups.  

When completed, Lanarkshire will be one of the most advanced AI sites anywhere in the world, with DataVita planning to include the generation of more than 500MW of on-site power to drive AI breakthroughs in the next 4 years.  

It will also explore cutting-edge solutions to one of the most pressing challenges facing AI – energy consumption. The energy powering this new Growth Zone will be drawn from on-site renewables, while excess heat – produced by cooling systems as they keep cutting-edge computers and tech in top working order – will also be put to good use. Once the site is fully up and running, plans will be explored to see this excess heat re-directed to power the nearby University Hospital Monklands – Scotland’s first fully digital and Net Zero hospital.   

Being in striking distance of land ripe for development for solar and wind power source will help to ensure the UK can realise its AI ambitions without compromising on its clean energy superpower mission. This is a pioneering new approach to AI development – harnessing renewable energy to power advances in the technology while ensuring those benefits always filter down to benefit local communities.  

CoreWeave will be one of the key backers of the site, rolling out cutting edge NVIDIA GPU chips so researchers and innovators can power their work. This deployment will be part of the £2.5 billion investment the company has made to AI projects in the UK.   

It joins a stable of 5 AI Growth Zones announced in the 12 months since the launch of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, joining Oxfordshire, North and South Wales, and the North East of England as jewels in the UK’s AI Crown. All told, AI Growth Zone announcements over the last 12 months have been bolstered by commitments to add up to 15,000 jobs for local communities, and at least £28.2 billion in private investment (note).     

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 3 February 2026.

Barnsley named UK’s first Tech Town – with local schools and college, businesses, NHS and more getting bespoke government support to unleash opportunities of AI.

• Barnsley named UK’s first Tech Town – with local schools and college, businesses, NHS and more getting bespoke government support to unleash opportunities of AI 
• Delivers on town’s ambitions to put AI to work in overhauling public services and business, blazing a trail for the rest of the UK to follow
• Leading firms including Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe and Google back the plans and pledge to support local people’s access to jobs of the future
• Follows launch of free AI training for all as part of commitment to upskill 10 million UK workers, naming of Lanarkshire as latest AI Growth Zone, and £36 million investment into AI Research Resource supercomputer

People across Barnsley could see improved public services, better support in local schools, quicker NHS care and new opportunities for jobs and skills as it becomes the UK’s first government backed Tech Town.   

Announced today (Tuesday 3 February), Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has set out plans to put the full heft of government behind the town’s rollout of AI across everything from education to health and more.   

Tech Town status will position Barnsley as the UK’s trailblazer, acting as a national blueprint for how AI can improve everyday life. From AI tools that help GPs triage patients quicker, to new digital training for adults – today marks the start of a transformation designed to make like easier, fairer and more prosperous in Barnsley.    

Over the next 18 months, government will work closely with local business leaders, educators, NHS workers and more to build local talent who can access the jobs of the future, and make local services fit for the AI era. Unleashing AI’s potential to turbo-charge how we learn and upskill is a central part of Barnsley’s regeneration plans, and the government’s ambitions for the UK overall too. Barnsley is set to forge a path the rest of the country, could follow – one that makes sure communities left behind by the economic changes of the 20th century, can seize the benefits of the 21st.  

This will include:   

• free AI and digital training – working with Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology, residents will be able to take part in free courses to boost their career, retrain or simply learn something new
• help to increase AI adoption – expanding the Seam Digital Campus to give small and growing businesses hands‑on support to use new technology, scale up and create good local jobs. The Seam is already home to 33 digital businesses, with plans for it to become an AI Campus based around a new National Centre for Digital Technologies
• innovating in healthcare – partnering with Barnsley Hospital to test AI tools that offer quicker check-ins, faster triage and smoother outpatient care – providing a better service and freeing up NHS workers to focus on what they do best
• tools to support teaching and learning –testing AI and edtech tools in schools and Barnsley College, to improve evidence of the impact of technology on pupil outcomes, inclusion and reducing teacher workload
• building the right infrastructure – planning how the town will use technology better like public buildings and Wi‑Fi, as well as adding strong cybersecurity so people can use digital services with confidence and boosting connectivity

Government will use its convening power to get leading tech companies involved in this work in Barnsley, with Microsoft and Cisco’s UK CEOs joining Kendall on a visit to Barnsley, to see the town’s digital and AI ambitions first-hand. Leading tech firms including Cisco, Microsoft, Adobe and Google are backing the plans – with all 3 pledging a package of initiatives to boost Barnsley’s AI and digital talent, so that people of all ages can build the skills that will help them access the jobs of the future in growing tech industries. Key local organisations like Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Barnsley CVS are also set to partner the Tech Town initiative. 

This follows a raft of government action last week to unleash AI’s potential as a force for national renewal: from the launch of free AI training for all as part of commitment to upskill 10 million UK workers, to the naming of Lanarkshire as the latest AI Growth Zone, as well as a £36 million investment to upgrade the AI Research Resource supercomputer in Cambridge. 

Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:  

I am delighted to have been invited by Barnsley, to work with them to achieve their ambition to become the UK’s leading tech town.

If we are going to get AI to work for Britain, we need Britons and British public services that can work with AI. That is why Barnsley’s ambitions are crucial, because if we can show that AI helps young people learn, supports local businesses to be more productive, and improves public services, then we can show what’s possible for the whole country.  

What we learn here will shape how we roll out AI across the UK – making sure every community sees the benefits.

Barnsley Council Leader Sir Stephen Houghton CBE said:  

One of the key missions in our Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy is for Barnsley to become the UK’s leading digital town. Welcoming the Secretary of State to Barnsley to announce that we are the UK’s first Tech Town underlines our ambition and commitment to innovation which will benefit our residents, businesses and partners. This is one of the most important investments in Barnsley in our history and will help secure our long-term economic future. 

The Tech Town programme is where cutting-edge technology meets everyday usefulness. It will complement our existing plans at The Seam Digital Campus, including the National Centre for Digital Technologies, and the Health on the High Street programme, which is revolutionising how residents can access health and wellbeing services in Barnsley. 

We’re looking forward to working with colleagues from DSIT, our residents and our partners to shape the programme to create safer, smarter public services and new opportunities for everyone to thrive in the emerging and fast-paced AI landscape, blazing a trail for the rest of the country to follow. 

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: 

Thanks in no small part to work being led by Steve Houghton and Barnsley Council, we’re building a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire, creating jobs and opportunities in the industries that will define the next generation and beyond. 

That’s why the government have recognised Barnsley as the UK’s first Tech Town. Because we have already built a thriving digital ecosystem, from The Seam Digital Campus and the growing cluster of digital and creative businesses, to the cutting edge training at Barnsley College and the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology. Barnsley has all the foundations of a modern, thriving tech economy. 

This is a place that is driving real change across our region. Being recognised as the first Tech Town in the UK both reflects and reinforces that momentum, strengthening South Yorkshire’s position as one of the most exciting tech communities in the country.

UK government AI Ambassador, and 2024 Nobel Prize Winner for Economics, Simon Johnson said:  

AI is changing everything, and the opportunities are massive. We have to make sure that everyone, wherever they live and whatever their background, gets to feel the benefits.  

But that will only happen with ordinary people in the driving seat. That’s why what’s happening in Barnsley is going to be critical, to the whole country’s AI aspirations. By putting this technology into the hands of local people, working to improve their town, Barnsley can guide us to an AI-powered future that puts people and their families first, and that builds stronger communities. 

Naming Barnsley as the UK’s first Tech Town is about putting local residents in the driving seat. Over the coming months, they will be invited to a series of “Tech Town Halls” – giving local people a real say in how AI is used across the community and an opportunity to feedback their experience of using the technology.   

Barnsley is already embracing AI and other technologies to improve people’s lives. Delivery company EVRi recently trialled robot delivery dogs in the town, it is one of the first UK councils to roll out Copilot at scale and it is being used to support overstretched social care teams from paperwork.   

Becoming a Tech Town will help take these bold ambitions to the next level. Just last month the government announced plans to make safe AI-powered tutoring tools available to up to 450,000 children in a bid to level the playing field for disadvantaged pupils. Trials will start in summer this year with a number of schools in Barnsley being considered.  

While Barnsley’s Seam Digital Campus is set to be expanded into an AI campus; to help local firms make use of AI, to link them with universities and investors, and to help build a pipeline of local skilled tech talent.  

Becoming a Tech Town will help take these bold ambitions to the next level. Just last month the government announced plans to co-design and trial safe AI-powered tutoring tools in schools. These tools could support up to 450,000 disadvantaged children; levelling the playing field for those who cannot afford private tutors. The co-design will start in the summer term this year with schools in Barnsley being considered.   

Support for Barnsley Tech Town

Nathan Hancock, Vice President and MD, Adobe UK, Ireland and Middle East, said: 

AI is reshaping businesses, industries and the economy at a rapid pace, but it will only reach its full potential if skills and training programmes are accessible and delivered in partnership with industry to meet the real-world needs of businesses today.  

By partnering with the government on the Tech Town initiative, we will bring the best of Adobe’s AI-driven tools, skilling and education programmes to the community, accelerating innovation and creativity, transforming careers and creating a talent hub in Barnsley that supports the UK’s ambition of becoming a leading AI economy.

Sarah Walker, Chief Executive, Cisco UK and Ireland, said: 

AI is set to be more transformative than the advent of the Internet. But to really matter to our citizens today, it must translate locally. That’s exactly what this first government-backed Tech Town is designed to deliver. How AI can be applied in real places, for real people, to make everyday life and work better. Whether that’s a parent being able to book childcare more easily, or a small business finding the confidence to hire and grow. 

 >Together with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and local leaders, we are excited to support Barnsley showcasing how towns across the UK can turn AI innovation into visible improvements in people’s lives, prospects and public services.

Barnsley College CEO and Principal, David Akeroyd, said: 

Being named the UK’s first government‑backed Tech Town is a significant moment for Barnsley, and Barnsley College is proud to be at the heart of this ambition. 

This work reflects the long-standing commitment, vision, expertise and dedication of the College and our partners, who continue to push boundaries and provide a sector-leading digital curriculum to ensure our community can build the skills needed for an AI‑enabled future. 

Together, we are creating new opportunities for people across Barnsley, opportunities that will shape lives, strengthen our economy, and open the door to a more innovative and prosperous future.

Notes to editors

Barnsley Tech Town supports Barnsley 2030: Barnsley Council’s long-term plan to build a prosperous, better, fairer and more inclusive town.  

As part of Barnsley’s ambition to become the UK’s leading digital town, work is already well underway delivering the Seam Digital Campus, part of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, which is home to DMC: an innovation space for digital and creative scale-ups. This is where the forthcoming National Centre for Digital Technologies will be based.  

The £15 million Barnsley campus of the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology is also already up and running, offering a state-of-the-art learning environment that replicates industry conditions and uses the latest equipment 

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 27 January 2026.

Government sets out key part of its digital transformation agenda, bringing world class talent into Whitehall to modernise essential services.

• UK AI experts join government to improve everyday public services including in transport and national security with $1 million from Meta.
• Anthropic will collaborate with the government to create AI assistants that support job seekers with career advice and finding employment.
• This forms a key part of the government’s wider digital transformation agenda, bringing world‑class talent into Whitehall to modernise essential services and deliver quicker, safer and more efficient outcomes for the public.

People across the UK could benefit from faster, safer and more reliable public services as leading British AI specialists join government to modernise critical systems used every day – from public safety to transport maintenance.

Backed by a $1 million investment from Meta and delivered through the Alan Turing Institute, this new cohort of AI fellows will spend the next year developing open‑source tools that tackle some of the biggest challenges facing public services.

In transport, fellows will harness AI to develop models which analyse images and videos, enabling councils to prioritise infrastructure repairs more effectively.

Specialists will develop cutting-edge AI solutions which run offline or within secured networks to support national security and defence teams to make vital decisions while safeguarding sensitive data.

Ensuring emerging technologies like AI can go further and faster to support people at all stages of their lives, a new partnership with Anthropic also launches today to help build and pilot a dedicated assistant tool for public services. The AI assistant will support people through crucial life moments, starting with job seekers, providing custom career advice and help to lock down a job.

The technology, which will be entirely optional, is part of a cutting-edge plan to use AI agents for national government services, with a pilot expected to begin later this year.

Today’s announcement comes as the government marks a week of focused action, showcasing how emerging technologies like AI are being put to work for the public good, benefitting hardworking people at the point of delivery.

A bold new vision for how tech will be used to help re-wire Whitehall will drive a further boost to the government’s digital transformation agenda. Launched in January 2025, the roadmap capitalises on the AI Opportunities Action Plan as it prepares to celebrate its first birthday, bringing the benefits of AI to the frontline of public services.

Minister for Data and Modern Digital Government, Ian Murray said:

A digital world needs a modern, digital government. That is why we are enlisting the homegrown talent we already have to elevate our public services.

Having met the fellows I know they will play a pivotal role in re-wiring our healthcare, police, transport systems and more, to make sure hardworking people benefit from the opportunities that only technologies like AI can deliver.

Rob Sherman, VP, Deputy Chief Privacy Officer, Policy, at Meta said:

Meta is proud to help bring top British AI talent into government, fast-tracking the transformation of public services. Advanced AI is already woven into daily life—powering the UK’s economy, driving innovation, and enhancing quality of life for citizens. By placing AI experts at the heart of government institutions, we’re accelerating meaningful change and ensuring these benefits reach everyone.

Pip White, Head of UK, Ireland and Northern Europe at Anthropic:

We’re excited to partner with the UK government to help deliver on the AI Opportunities Action Plan.

This partnership with the UK government is central to our mission. It demonstrates how frontier AI can be deployed safely for the public benefit, setting the standard for how governments integrate AI into the services their citizens depend on.

Professor Mark Girolami, Acting CEO and Chief Scientist at the Alan Turing Institute said:

AI has huge potential to help us anticipate risks, improve decision making and boost productivity, strengthening the UK’s resilience and prosperity. The new fellows will play an important role in putting effective AI tools into the hands of our public servants in order to realise these benefits.

The programme brings together some of the UK’s leading AI researchers and practitioners including:

• Dr Armin Mustafa, University of Surrey – an expert in computer vision and AI‑driven modelling
• Angus Williams, Senior Data Scientist at the Alan Turing Institute – specialist in real‑world machine‑learning applications for the public sector
• Dr Shan Luo, Associate Professor of Computer Vision at King’s College London – known for robotics‑led approaches to imaging and automated decision‑making
• Dr Frank Soboczenski, Assistant Professor in AI at the University of York – a leader in trustworthy AI and safety‑critical systems
• Dr Mingfei Sun, Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the University of Manchester – an expert in large-scale reinforcement learning

Earlier this month, the UK government announced CustomerFirst – a new team within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) focused on eliminating long wait times, repetitive form‑filling and outdated processes across a number of public services. To accelerate this work, government is bringing in additional private‑sector expertise and emerging technology to deliver tangible improvements on the frontline.

Led by Tristan Thomas, formerly of Monzo and with Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy as its first co‑chair, CustomerFirst will put modern technology to work to cut out long phone queues, reduce paperwork and make it easier and faster for people to access the services they rely on.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 8 January 2026.

Dating apps and social media platforms must now prevent cyberflashing, as it becomes a priority offence under the Online Safety Act.

• Online Safety Act strengthened as ‘cyberflashing’ becomes a priority offence
• Dating apps and social media platforms now have to take proactive steps to prevent this vile content before users see it
• New law follows a historic government strategy to halve Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) within a decade, which included a commitment to make cyberflashing a ‘priority offence’ under the Online Safety Act

People using dating apps and social media platforms will be better protected from receiving unsolicited nude images, as a new law compelling tech firms to stop this type of content before it reaches users comes into force today (Thursday 8 January).

Platforms will be required to take proactive steps to prevent this vile content from appearing in the first place, not just react after the harm is done. Tech firms will now face some of the strongest requirements under the Online Safety Act as ‘cyberflashing’ becomes a Priority Offence.

Companies could tackle these images for example by using automated systems that pre-emptively detect and hide the image, implementing moderation tools or stricter content policies.

Those that fail to comply could face fines of up to 10% of their qualifying worldwide revenue, or have their services blocked in the UK.

Bumble was the first dating app to explicitly moderate cyberflashing to protect its members from seeing unwanted pictures. 

The women-first dating app launched Private Detector, an AI-powered feature that automatically detects and blurs nudity in images sent within chats. It then alerts the recipient who can choose to view, block, or report the image. The AI model is carefully trained with vast datasets to avoid misclassification.

Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary, said: 

We’ve cracked down on perpetrators of this vile crime – now we’re turning up the heat on tech firms. Platforms are now required by law to detect and prevent this material.

The internet must be a space where women and girls feel safe, respected, and able to thrive.

Elymae Cedeno, VP of Trust and Safety at Bumble said: 

Receiving unsolicited sexual images is a daily violation that disproportionately impacts women and undermines their sense of safety online. Strengthening the law to make cyberflashing a Priority Offence is an important step toward ensuring platforms proactively address this behaviour to better protect members.

As part of our long standing safety commitments, Bumble introduced features like Private Detector, which uses AI to identify and blur nude images in chats, giving members greater control over what they see. We hear regularly from our community about the impact of this behaviour, and we welcome measures that increase accountability and help create a safer digital environment.

Ofcom will now consult on new codes of practice, setting out exactly what steps platforms must take to protect users from unsolicited sexual images.

The priority offence marks another step in making the online world safer, particularly for women and children, who are disproportionately targeted. 1 in 3 teenage girls has received unsolicited sexual images*. This government is serious about ending that.

This builds on the government’s wider commitment to tackle online abuse and halve violence against women and girls, making clear that the digital world is not a law-free zone.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

For too long cyberflashing has been just another degrading abuse women and girls are expected to endure. We are changing this.

By placing the responsibility on tech companies to block this vile content before users see it, we are preventing women and girls from being harmed in the first place. 

We will deploy the full power of the state to make this country safe for women and girls, both online and offline.

Through the cross-government strategy to Build a Safer Society for Women and Girls, published on 18 December, we committed to making the ‘cyberflashing’ offence a ‘priority offence’ under the Online Safety Act.

These strengthened protections will tackle the problem at the root, before women are subject to this gross violation.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 6 January 2026.

New measures will be introduced to make online public services more secure and resilient, so people can use them with confidence – whether applying for benefits, paying taxes or accessing healthcare.

• £210 million plan to strengthen cyber resilience across government
• Government Cyber Unit to coordinate risk management and incident response across departments
• Leading firms with strong track record of cyber security to drive best practice through new Software Security Ambassador Scheme

New measures will be introduced to make online public services more secure and resilient, so people can use them with confidence – whether applying for benefits, paying taxes or accessing healthcare. 

Backed by over £210 million, the Government Cyber Action Plan published today (Tuesday 6 January) sets out how government will rise to meet the growing range of online threats. Driven by a new Government Cyber Unit, the plan will rapidly improve cyber defences and digital resilience across government departments and the wider public sector, so people can trust that their data and services are protected.  

It underpins UK government plans to digitise public services. This will make more services accessible online, reduce time spent on phone queues and paperwork, and enable citizens to access support without repeating information across multiple departments. This approach could unlock up to £45 billion (note) in productivity savings by using technology effectively across the public sector. 

However, realising these benefits depends on trust. As services move online, they must be secure and resilient. Cyber attacks can take vital public services offline in minutes, disrupting lives and undermining confidence. The new plan addresses this challenge head-on. 

Released as the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill has its Second Reading in the House of Commons, the Bill sets out clear expectations for firms providing services to government to boost their cyber resilience. From energy and water suppliers to healthcare and data centres, strong defences throughout supply chains will help keep the water running and the lights burning – facing down the cyber attackers who want to grind our country to a halt.   

The plan will lead to: 

• clearer visibility of risks: shining a light on cyber and digital resilience risks across government, so we can focus efforts where it matters most
• stronger central action on the toughest challenges: taking decisive, joined-up action across departments on severe and complex risks that no single organisation can solve alone with a dedicated team overseeing coordination
• faster response to threats and incidents: reacting quickly to fast-moving cyber threats and vulnerabilities to minimise harm and speed up recovery by requiring departments to have robust incident response arrangements in place
• higher resilience across government: boosting resilience at scale, with targeted measures to close major gaps and protect critical services

Digital Government Minister Ian Murray said: 

Cyber-attacks can take vital public services offline in minutes – disrupting our digital services and our very way of life.  

This plan sets a new bar to bolster the defences of our public sector, putting cyber-criminals on warning that we are going further and faster to protect the UK’s businesses and public services alike. 

This is how we keep people safe, services running, and build a government the public can trust in the digital age.

Today’s plan is also bolstered by further steps to take the UK’s cyber defences further and faster. 

A new Software Security Ambassador Scheme will now help drive adoption of the Software Security Code of Practice – a voluntary project designed to reduce software supply chain attacks and disruption. 

Software underpins the economy as a core component of all technologies that businesses rely on. Yet weaknesses in software can cause severe disruption to supply chains and the essential services the public use every day with more than half (59%) (note) of organisations experiencing software supply chain attacks in the past year. 

These issues can be addressed by embedding basic software security practices across the software market. Among others, Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Sage, Santander and NCC Group will come on board as the scheme’s ambassadors, championing the Code across sectors, showcasing practical implementation, and providing feedback to inform future policy improvements. 

Cyber risk to the public sector remains high. The plan responds with £210 million to spark a step change in public sector cyber defences, holding organisations to account for fixing vulnerabilities. This includes setting clear minimum standards and investing in more hands-on support to minimise the impact when incidents do occur.

Cyber resilience is central to the government’s mission of national renewal. Secure, reliable digital public services help protect citizens, support growth, and deliver better value for taxpayers, while maintaining trust in the services communities rely on every day.

Thomas Harvey, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Santander UK said:

We are pleased to be an ambassador for the UK government’s Software Security Code of Practice and it reflects our broader commitment to collective resilience. By advocating for these standards we’re not just protecting Santander and our customers, we are helping to build a more secure digital economy for everyone.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 29 December 2025.

Horizon research with UK involvement was more widely cited, as UK celebrates 2 years in Horizon Europe.

• New figures show UK research backed by Horizon made bigger academic impact and more ambitious projects reached fruition
• Comes as UK marks 2 years in Horizon Europe – the world’s largest research and Innovation programme – with plans to boost joint work with Spain and Germany in the new year
• From health to clean energy, science and tech breakthroughs made possible by Horizon Europe and its predecessor are critical to this government’s mission of national renewal

New analysis commissioned by Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and published today (Monday 29 December) shows some of the UK’s brightest minds were more likely to see their research through – and had a bigger impact on their respective fields – when they were backed by the world-leading Horizon R&D programme. 

The outcomes from these research projects – from improvements to healthcare like better diabetes management, to new farming techniques to help keep the cost of food down – all underscore the unique value of R&D to the government’s mission of national renewal. 

The findings, which look at the UK’s participation in the Horizon 2020 programme (H2020), come as the UK marks the 2nd anniversary of associating to its successor Horizon Europe. As the world’s largest programme of research collaboration, worth £80 billion, the government is determined to maximise the opportunities Horizon Europe offers for UK scientists, researchers and businesses to make their gamechanging ideas a reality. 

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: 

Better Type 1 diabetes care and more productive farming techniques are just some of the breakthroughs made possible by the UK’s past involvement in Horizon. Today, the programme is supporting innovators whose ideas are set to boost economic growth and improve our public services. 

This new evidence shows why it is so crucial that we support our brilliant scientists, researchers and businesses to seize the opportunities Horizon offers. In 2026 we’ll continue doing just that. 

European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Katerina Zaharieva said: 

2 years ago, the United Kingdom associated to Horizon Europe and this has already led to many fascinating new research projects. We welcome UK researchers in all pillars of Horizon Europe, including the collaborative projects with researchers from across the continent.  

I saw this fruitful collaboration in action during my visit to the UK last year and hope to see even more next time I come.

The report commissioned by the DSIT, has found that UK researchers secured €7.8 billion in funding through nearly 11,000 projects in H2020, which ran from 2014-2020. 

Analysis showed H2020 had a positive effect on the quality of UK publications as measured by citation impact. There was also evidence that, without H2020 funding, projects would have had to be abandoned or changed substantially in terms of scope timeline, and/or location. 

Some of the exciting outcomes from the UK’s involvement in H2020 include: 

• Better management of Type 1 Diabetes by streamlining clinical trials and identifying age-related biomarkers through the INNODIA project, with contributions from UK universities including Cambridge, King’s London, Oxford, Cardiff and Exeter. 
• The EBOVAC programme advanced understanding of the safety and efficacy of a novel Ebola vaccine through Phase 1, 2 and 3 trials in the EU and Africa, led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. 

While the impact of H2020 on previous UK research was positive, there is also good news coming out of the UK’s involvement in Horizon Europe, right now. Earlier this month, the European Research Council (ERC) announced which mid-career researchers would be receiving its Consolidator Grants – with the UK taking the biggest share of any country. Of the 349 grants (totalling €728 million), 65 will go towards UK-led projects. 

To capitalise on the benefits of involvement in Horizon, the UK will be launching an international campaign in Spain and Germany in 2026. It will highlight the value a UK partner can bring to a Horizon Europe application, amplifying the strengths of Spanish and German participants to achieve shared goals.  

It’s hoped this will build on the wealth of research that British, German and Spanish colleagues have already worked together on through Horizon Europe. One example is the ESCALATE project, developing electric HGVs.  

This £19 million (€22 million) effort saw Yorkshire-based Electra Commercial Vehicles work together with Spanish partner Primafrio Corporation S.A. and German partners including RWTH Aachen University, to develop higher-weight vehicles and prove their commercial value to would-be customers, opening up new potential markets in the process.   

Spanish and German researchers can find UK partners through the European Commission’s Funding and Tenders portal.  

UK researchers can explore funding opportunities and application guidance via the Horizon Hub on Innovate UK . 

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 28 December 2025.

AI tool helping 50 NHS organisations predict A&E demand this winter, speeding up patient care as government delivers on building an NHS fit for the future.

• Hospitals using AI to improve planning and tackle bottlenecks in A&E departments as government delivers NHS fit for the future
• Forecasting tool in use across 50 NHS organisations speeding up treatment times for patients
• Latest milestone for the Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars programme, using AI to improve lives and modernise services across health, justice, tax and planning.

Patients could be seen quicker this winter as hospitals across England increasingly use artificial intelligence to help predict when A&E departments will be busiest.

The A&E demand forecasting tool highlights how the government is using cutting edge and emerging technologies to modernise public services and drive national renewal. Available to all NHS Trusts, it is already in use by 50 NHS organisations – helping them plan how many people are likely to need emergency care and treatment on any given day. 

For NHS staff, this means smarter planning for shifts and bed space in the long-term, reducing last-minute pressure thanks to clearer forecasts which spot potential bottlenecks. For patients, it will ultimately mean shorter waiting times during busy periods – ensuring people get the care they need more quickly.

This winter has already seen record flu cases putting additional pressure on emergency departments, while Christmas typically adds to this pressure with festive challenges such as icy falls and other seasonal illnesses. 

More than 18 million flu vaccines have been delivered this autumn hundreds of thousands more than the same point last year. With the tool being constantly trained on seasonal health data, it will help to spot surges in demand for health services before they happen – giving hospitals the opportunity to put staff in the right place at the right time. 

The tool uses this data to highlight regular pinch points where demand is likely to be higher across the course of the year. That includes a wide range of areas, from Met Office temperature forecasts and hospital admissions through to which days of the week are busier than others. This data then produces forecasts for the coming days and weeks which hospitals can use to more effectively manage resources. 

It forms part of the Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars programme – putting AI to use to improve public services, modernise outdated systems, and drive the national renewal hardworking people deserve. This will make the services people interact with smarter, more efficient, and fit for the modern age.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:

AI is already improving healthcare by speeding up diagnosis and unlocking new treatments. Now we are going a step further.

By helping to predict demand, this AI forecasting tool is getting patients the care they need faster while supporting our incredible NHS staff.

That means easing pressure by ensuring the NHS is at the forefront of the latest technology during the busiest time of year.

Health Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said:

The AI revolution is here and we are arming our NHS staff with the latest technology to help slash A&E waits for patients this busy winter period.

Innovations like these will help hospitals manage winter pressure and prioritise resources over the coming months as we continue to battle a tidal wave of flu.

This is part of our 10 Year Health Plan to shift healthcare from analogue to digital as we build an NHS that is fit for the future.

Early feedback from staff has been positive. Hospital managers have praised its impact in supporting them to make better decisions about staffing and capacity, meaning patients can then move through the system more efficiently. 

Local NHS organisations using the tool include NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, as well as NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board.

The announcement is part of the government’s commitment to building an NHS fit for the future by embracing technology and innovation to improve patient care and outcomes.

The AI Exemplars programme is already delivering improvements across the board, including:

The Education Content Store: This pools government documents including curriculum guidance, lesson plans and anonymised pupil assessments so AI companies can train their tools to generate accurate, high-quality content. The content, such as tailored, creative lesson plans and workbooks, can then be reliably used in schools – freeing teachers up from admin so they can spend more time in front of the whiteboard.

AI Diagnostics: This provides tools to support clinicians to identify conditions such as lung cancer from scans, helping diagnose patients more quickly and reducing the diagnostic backlog.

AI Assisted Discharge summaries: This will help patients get home to family and off busy wards more quickly, with AI used to help write the documents that are needed to discharge people from hospital. Clinicians retain final control and approval over content.

GOV.UK chat: This is an AI-powered chatbot that provides a new way for the public to interact with government. GOV.UK Chat takes a user’s question and, using relevant GOV.UK pages, generates an instant answer, the way users would write or speak in everyday life.

Notes to editors

The Prime Minister’s AI Exemplars programme explores practical applications of artificial intelligence in government and public services.

The A&E demand forecasting tool analyses historical data and patterns to predict patient attendance at emergency departments.

The tool is currently available to all NHS trusts in England, with 170 active users across 50 organisations each month.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 23 December 2025.

Over 100 mobile network masts upgraded to deliver 4G coverage from all major mobile network operators, signalling a major milestone in government’s drive to end total-not-spots.

• Over 100 mobile masts upgraded across rural Wales, Scotland and England delivering new 4G coverage from all mobile network operators for the first time
• Milestone reached in government’s Plan for Change to boost rural connectivity through Shared Rural Network, helping communities get the mobile coverage they need
• Over 400 businesses benefiting from new 4G coverage, boosting economic growth to deliver national renewal

Video calling the family for Christmas just got a little easier, with over 100 mobile network masts now upgraded to deliver 4G coverage from all major mobile network operators – a major milestone in the government’s drive to end mobile total-not-spots through the Shared Rural Network programme.

Families will enjoy their most connected Christmas yet, tourists visiting for festive breaks will have better connectivity for their journeys, and emergency services will have enhanced coverage during the winter months.

From guest houses and holiday lets, to village halls and coffee shops, businesses across previously unconnected parts of the UK can now more reliably process contactless payments, take online bookings and stay in touch with customers during the festive period.

The Shared Rural Network is a joint programme between the government and the UK’s mobile network operators EE, Virgin Media O2 and VodafoneThree to improve rural coverage across Britain.

Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd said:

More of Britain’s rural communities are finally getting the connection they’ve been waiting for as we deck the hills with 4G coverage.

These 100 upgraded masts mean businesses can ring up sales, families can video call their loved ones this Christmas without buffering mid-conversation, and our beautiful rural areas can attract the investment, jobs and tourism they need to thrive.

Whether you’re in the Welsh valleys, the Scottish Highlands, or England’s national parks – rural communities are finally getting the connections they deserve, boosting opportunity and growth as we drive forward plans for national renewal.

These improvements are already transforming connectivity in areas that were previously not served by all mobile network operators. Across Wales, Scotland and England, 105 masts have been upgraded – 44 in Wales, 33 in Scotland and 28 in England – providing reliable coverage to over 400 businesses and wrapping up a year of significant progress in rural connectivity.

The 100 masts are predicted to bring outdoor 4G signal coverage from all mobile networks to over 4,000 square kilometres of the UK – an area equivalent to 2.5 times the size of Greater London, or 9,600 Hyde Park Winter Wonderlands.

Among the businesses now enjoying improved connectivity, an eco-friendly guest house in the Scottish Borders can now keep guests connected during Christmas breaks while they enjoy the exceptional dark-sky location, perfect for tracking Santa on Christmas Eve.

A village hall at the heart of a community in Northumberland has vital infrastructure keeping locals connected, with events such as the local drama society’s production and regular weekly sessions of the community choir and ceilidh band.

New coverage will also be available in 10 national parks across England, Scotland and Wales, including Eryri National Park, and the Lake District.

Notes to editors

John Holland, Chairman of Tarset Village Hall Committee said:

We operate all year round and the availability of new 4G connectivity from the mast now means it is possible for Hall users to contact committee members in the event of an issue. It has also improved public safety and led to financial benefits as well.

Ben Roome, CEO of Mova, the Shared Rural Network delivery partner said:

Christmas is a time for connection and this year more rural communities than ever can share that spirit. With the 100th site activated, in Llanfair on the border between England and Wales, these publicly funded masts can connect families, friends and businesses across a cumulative area of over 4,000 square kilometres, irrespective of mobile provider.

This achievement is testament to what can be accomplished when government and industry work together. Since the Shared Rural Network began, 4G coverage from all four operators has grown from 66% to over 81% of the UK, an increase equivalent to the size of Wales and Northern Ireland combined.

About the Shared Rural Network

The Shared Rural Network is a partnership between the UK government and mobile network operators. It aims to improve mobile coverage in rural areas across the UK. The programme reached its target of delivering to 95% of UK landmass a year ahead of schedule. The latest Connected Nations report (published on 17 November) shows that 96% of the UK now has coverage from at least one mobile network operator which is up from 91% when the programme started in March 2020.

Recent achievements

The SRN programme has delivered mobile coverage to:

• An extra 9,500 premises
• 1,400 km of roads
• 4,019 square kilometres is the cumulative area of the UK predicted to be reached with an outdoor 4G signal from all mobile networks from the 100 masts

Future SRN rollout

The programme will continue until January 2027. During this time there will be:

• 85 government funded mast upgrades planned across Britain
• Up to 44 new publicly funded masts built across Scotland with the first already live in the Western Isles

This new infrastructure will expand reliable mobile coverage to more rural communities throughout Britain.

Emergency Services Network (ESN)

The government masts referenced in this press notice are being built by the Home Office to first and foremost facilitate the new Emergency Services Network (ESN). The government and mobile network operators have been working with the Home Office and the mobile network operators to upgrade these masts to provide commercial coverage from all UK mobile network operators.

Mobile Network Operator investment

As part of the Shared Rural Network the mobile network operators have also invested in their own mast network tackling ‘partial not spots’. These are areas where customers can only access 4G if they are signed up with a mobile network operator that is active in that area. This work has already delivered significant coverage improvements across the UK and successfully completed last year.

The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 12 December 2025.

Technology Minister Ian Murray returns from the latest G7 Ministerial gathering in Canada with strengthened tech ties and new agreements in key areas.

• New deal agreed by G7 partners to ramp up AI adoption among SMEs, unlocking greater productivity and growth.
• UK strengthens tech ties with Canada, as both countries work hand in glove to shape the next generation of tech innovations.
• UK and Canadian governments to accelerate digitalisation, tackling challenges like outdated tech, cyber threats and driving growth through rollout of AI.

People across the UK will see public services upgraded as the UK and Canada agree to work together to boost the technology that speeds up modern life and keeps hard-earned money in pockets. It comes as ministers sign a deal to support innovation in critical digital infrastructure and launch a new network to advance progress on semiconductors.  

Semiconductors – the tiny chips inside phones, computers, and cars – are at the heart of today’s technology. The UK-Canada semiconductors research network will bring together experts from both countries, through expert exchanges, secondments and more, to develop smarter, faster and more energy-efficient chips. 

This includes work on advanced materials, chip design, and packaging techniques that make devices more powerful and sustainable. The network will support research exchanges, workshops, and events, helping scientists share ideas and spark innovation.  

Backed by £1.16 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and led by Professor Andy G Sellars at the University of Southampton, this builds on an agreement signed earlier this year between the UK and Canada. It aims to create jobs, drive economic growth and keep both nations at the forefront of global technology. 

It comes as UK Tech Minister Ian Murray returns home from the G7 Summit with a newly signed deal on modernising public services British people rely on every day.

The 2 countries will exchange knowledge of what’s worked in their own use of AI in delivering public services, swapping the digital tools and cloud-service designs behind these successes. 

UK Technology Minister Ian Murray said:  

The UK and Canada are working hand in hand to shape the future of technology – from smarter, greener chips to AI that improves everyday services.  

This partnership will make life better for people in the UK. By sharing expertise and driving progress together, we’ll create new jobs and cut costs for hardworking people by bringing our public services into the modern age.

The Honourable Evan Solomon, Canadian Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation

Canada and the UK have always been natural partners in science and innovation. This next agreement between the UK’s National Supercomputing Centre and Canada’s Digital Research Alliance is a huge win for both countries.

It unlocks world-class computing power, accelerates breakthroughs in AI and emerging tech, and strengthens the backbone of our shared digital future. I’m thrilled to see another partnership after our joint agreement — this is the kind of bold cooperation the G7 is all about.

At the G7 talks in Montreal, nations agreed on practical steps to help businesses adopt AI, strengthen tech resilience, and upskill workers – unlocking productivity and growth. These include accelerating public-private partnerships, sharing best practice seamlessly, and investing in skills programmes. 

The visit follows a Growth and Innovation Partnership agreed by both countries in June to strengthen trade ties and foster R&D projects across the semiconductor, quantum, digital and AI sectors.

Building on the strong supercomputing ties between the UK and Canada, the UK’s National Supercomputing Centre in Edinburgh has signed an agreement with Canada’s Digital Research Alliance. This means experts from both countries will work together to share ideas on how to build and run powerful computers that support cutting-edge research, including artificial intelligence.

The agreements bring together the strengths of both nations in key areas which power many industries like AI and mobile phones. This includes everything from how chips are designed to their energy efficiency. 

The UK and Canada are natural partners, with Canadian firms investing some £30 billion into our economy in 2023, supporting more than 165,000 jobs.  

By deepening these connections, both countries will drive improvements across healthcare, public services, and growth, which will see citizens in both countries benefiting both in the immediate term and for generations to come.