Deputy Prime Minister highlights UK’s bold plan to harness AI for economic growth and scientific leadership at India AI Impact Summit

The United Kingdom is taking a major step to ensure it remains at the forefront of global science and research.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the country’s largest public research funder, has unveiled its first-ever AI Strategy, aiming to put artificial intelligence at the heart of cutting-edge research.

The goal is clear: turn scientific discoveries into real-world innovations that benefit healthcare, clean energy, public services, and beyond.

Record £1.6 Billion Investment Signals Commitment

Backing this strategy is a record £1.6 billion in funding over the next four years, making AI the UKRI’s largest single investment area.

The funding will focus on the AI sector while also supporting projects across mathematics, computer science, and engineering.

Researchers and businesses will gain better access to the infrastructure, tools, and training needed to develop the next generation of AI breakthroughs.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, speaking at the India AI Impact Summit, highlighted the importance of this commitment, saying the funding ensures that “the best of British expertise develops the next wave of AI innovations,” from detecting cancer earlier to easing public service backlogs.

AI Already Making Real-World Impact

AI is not just a vision for the future—it is already changing lives in the UK.

The RADAR AI system, for example, identifies faults in the railway network in real time, preventing delays and costly damage.

In healthcare, the IXI Brain Atlas uses AI to analyze brain scans, supporting more than 40 clinical trials into Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

These successes illustrate the potential of AI to solve pressing societal and scientific challenges.

UKRI’s new strategy aims to expand these kinds of initiatives.

Funding will support AI-enabled scientific discovery, including drug development, healthcare innovation, and environmental modeling.

Investments such as £137 million for AI research through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s AI for Science Strategy, and £36 million to upgrade the University of Cambridge’s DAWN supercomputer, show the government’s intent to fuel both research excellence and practical innovation.

Developing the AI Talent Pipeline

A crucial part of the strategy is nurturing the next generation of AI experts.

The plan expands doctoral and fellowship programs co-designed with businesses, while also supporting structured career pathways for research software engineers, data scientists, and ethics specialists.

This approach is designed to create high-skilled, high-paying jobs while ensuring the UK has the talent it needs to maintain its leadership in AI research.

Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, emphasized the UK’s historical strengths in computing and mathematics, referencing pioneers like Alan Turing and Ada Lovelace.

She stressed that uniting universities, businesses, industry, and government will allow the country to fully unlock its AI potential, turning research excellence into national advantage.

Six Strategic Priorities Shape the Future

The strategy focuses on advancing AI technology, transforming research through AI, developing talent, accelerating innovation for societal and economic benefit, promoting responsible AI, and building world-class data and infrastructure.

These priorities aim to create a robust AI ecosystem, connecting fundamental research to practical applications that improve everyday life and stimulate economic growth.

AI’s Impact Across Society

The real-world effects of UKRI-backed AI research are already impressive.

The RADAR system ensures railway safety by detecting faults before they cause delays, while tools like Hero Detect identify and classify online harms in real time to create safer digital spaces.

AI expertise is embedded in government through AHRC BRAID fellows, who work on regulation, safety, and public trust in AI.

In healthcare, AI-powered brain imaging helps detect neurodegenerative diseases early, improving patient care and supporting over 10,000 clinical assessments.

What’s Next?

UKRI will now focus on implementing the new strategy, simplifying programs, and removing barriers for researchers.

By connecting universities, businesses, and industry partners, the UK hopes to translate AI-driven research into tangible innovations that improve public services, drive economic growth, and enhance daily life.

Over the next decade, AI is set to become a central driver of the nation’s scientific and technological progress.

Summary

With £1.6 billion in funding and a clear strategy, the UK is positioning itself as a global leader in AI-driven research and innovation.

By building on its historic strengths in mathematics, computing, and science, the country is turning AI research into practical solutions that touch everyday life.

From safer railways and earlier disease detection to smarter public services and cleaner energy solutions, the UKRI AI Strategy lays the foundation for a future where science, technology, and public benefit go hand in hand.