The UK government just opened applications for public research groups to host the country’s AI Factory Antenna, following the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking signed in May. This initiative allows the UK to tap into high-performance computing (HPC) resources in Europe under the Horizon 2020 program.
The successful candidate could receive up to €5 million to connect British HPC research with top-tier supercomputers across Europe. The aim is to nominate one organization or consortium that the UK government endorses for EuroHPC’s AI Factory Antennae call. The government is also putting up to £2.5 million in funding, which will be matched by the EU if the application goes through.
AI Factories aren’t just about computing power. They also provide essential data, training, and software support. The chosen entity will serve as the UK’s AI Factory Antenna, linking British researchers with European HPC facilities.
According to the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), this move will help UK scientists, startups, and public bodies develop more complex AI models faster, which will drive innovation and create high-skilled jobs across the nation. The government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan aims to enhance international collaboration in computing, aligning with Labour’s Plan for Change to speed up AI adoption across various sectors.
Minister for AI Feryal Clark emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This is about more than faster processing – it’s about putting the UK at the forefront of global AI.” With access to advanced European systems, British researchers and startups can lead significant breakthroughs and strengthen international partnerships in AI.
Applications are due by June 11. The government aims to transform the UK into an AI powerhouse, which involves building up AI data center infrastructure and improving high-tech skills.
Earlier this year, the UK’s first AI growth zone was established in Culham, Oxfordshire, the home of the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority. More AI Growth Zones are on the horizon, with 200 local authorities vying for consideration to host these specialized clusters.
In addition to promoting AI Growth Zones, the government is pushing for AI adoption in the public sector to enhance efficiency. Recently, they launched an AI Knowledge Hub to showcase how local councils are using technology, like an AI assistant that helps streamline reporting of fly-tipping and graffiti in central London.
Later this year, Labour plans to introduce a 10-year roadmap aimed at increasing national computing capacity by twenty-fold.