The UK government has announced a £100 million initiative to strengthen the country’s AI sector. As part of the plan, it will guarantee the purchase of newly developed British AI chips. The “first customer” model is inspired by the strategy used during the COVID vaccine rollout: the government commits to buying AI hardware once it meets certain performance standards, providing startups with reliable demand. Science Secretary Liz Kendall said the program aims to better leverage the UK’s strengths in areas such as life sciences, financial services, defense and the creative industries.
Although the investment is far smaller than that of the US or China, the measure is part of a broader package designed to expand infrastructure, attract more foreign investors and support UK-based AI companies. It also includes a new £500 million national AI unit that will support startups together with the state-owned British Business Bank.