UK PM Keir Starmer to announce new plans to transform the country into an ‘AI superpower’

The U.K. government under Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a plan Monday to implement a massive increase in the country’s computing infrastructure in order to foster the growth of homegrown artificial intelligence startups that can rival t…
Lolita Steuber · 17 days ago · 2 minutes read


AI Supremacy: The UK's Quest for Homegrown Innovation

Supercharged Infrastructure for AI Advancements

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the UK government is embarking on an ambitious plan to establish itself as a global powerhouse in artificial intelligence.

By 2030, the country aims to expand its data center capacity by 20-fold, providing AI models with the computational muscle they need to push the boundaries of innovation.

The Role of 'AI Growth Zones'

To streamline the development of AI capabilities, the plan includes the creation of "AI growth zones" across the country.

Within these zones, planning restrictions will be relaxed, providing incentives for the construction of new data centers that will drive AI advancements.

Harnessing Sustainable Energy

Recognizing the environmental impact of data-intensive computing, the UK government plans to establish an "AI Energy Council."

This council will guide the industry in utilizing renewable and low-carbon energy sources, such as nuclear power, to power these data centers.

A Path to 'Sovereign AI'

The ultimate goal of the plan is to foster the development of "sovereign AI models," reducing the UK's dependence on Silicon Valley-based giants.

By establishing a "National Data Library," the government seeks to facilitate collaborations between universities and the private sector, fostering an environment for AI startups to thrive.

Unlocking Funding Bottlenecks

Venture capitalists and entrepreneurs have emphasized the need for UK pension funds to allocate resources to high-growth AI startups.

"If you take just 5% of [pension fund investments] and allocate it to innovation – you solve the problem," said Magnus Grimeland, founder of Antler Ltd.

Industry Optimism

"Having a clearly-defined roadmap is critical for the UK to become an AI superpower," said Chintan Patel, CTO of Cisco Systems Inc.

Alongside the infrastructure expansion, the UK is also working on a more flexible AI regulatory framework, attracting AI developers from across Europe.