The government has launched the new £500 million Sovereign AI unit to invest in artificial intelligence businesses and infrastructure set up in the UK.
Designed to operate like a venture capital firm rather than a traditional public funding body, the government said it will “invest directly in the UK’s most promising AI start-ups, help them scale quickly, and give them the support they need to compete with the best in the world”.
As well as the funding, businesses backed by Sovereign AI receive access to the UK’s AI supercomputers, quick visas decisions to find international talent and and support on data, procurement opportunities, and routes into new approaches to regulation.
The first start-up to get equity investment from unit is Callosum, a company building “a new class of AI infrastructure…that makes diverse chip architectures work together, co-optimising workflows, models and silicon in real time, unlocking orders-of-magnitude improvements in performance and cost”.
Another six start-ups will receive access to the AI Research Resource (AIRR) supercomputer network.
Sovereign AI is also in discussions with around 30 firms over potential AIRR access, and as part of the £282 million offer to support cutting edge AI startups with R&D, the unit is launching its first funding call to create new datasets and other assets.
Technology secretary Liz Kendall said:
“We believe in Britain and we are betting on Britain. We are backing our brilliant innovators and entrepreneurs so we seize the benefits of AI to reshape Britain for the benefit of all.
“Sovereign AI is unlike anything government has ever done before. Its unique approach will help break down the barriers that have too often held back British enterprise and innovation. This is how we ensure Britain’s economic prosperity and national security in the modern age.
“My message to British founders and innovators is clear – we will ensure you never have to choose between your ambition and your home, because Britain will give you both.”