The United Kingdom's Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has recently unveiled a scheme set to boost the artificial intelligence (AI) industry within the nation. The government has pledged to commit a substantial amount of £100 million towards this initiative.
The plan includes the establishment of a scholarship fund along with a specialised task force comprising AI experts. Sunak envisions that with sufficient backing, the UK could emerge as a global hotspot for AI innovation.
The primary focus will be on AI's application in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.
Sunak emphasised the pivotal role of research, education, and global partnerships in shaping the technological fabric of the UK.
Acknowledging potential concerns around the use of AI technology, Sunak reaffirmed his dedication to investigating safety measures. He also mentioned organising a dedicated international summit to explore this topic further.
In line with the Prime Minister's strategy, the government will form alliances with leading AI organisations like Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic. These companies have agreed to grant early access to their AI models to aid the UK government's research.
Sunak previously expressed his plans to address AI-associated risks at the upcoming G7 summit in Hiroshima, underscoring the transformative potential of AI in society.
It's worth noting that an investigation into the AI industry was initiated by the UK Competition and Markets Authority in May.
Furthermore, in April, Sunak announced a £100 million grant designed to encourage the growth of 'sovereign AI'.