Google DeepMind, the tech giant’s AI arm, has announced plans for the UK’s first ‘automated laboratory’, inking a partnership that could lead to the introduction of its latest models in the country.
An AI company plans to open a lab in the UK next year to experiment with AI and robotics. Alongside new materials for semiconductors, the focus will be on the development of new superconductor materials that can be used in the development of medical imaging technologies.
The UK government said in an announcement that under the partnership British scientists will have “priority access” to some of the world’s most advanced AI tools.
Founded in London in 2010 by Nobel laureate Demis Hassabis, DeepMind was acquired by Google in 2014 but maintains a large base of operations in the UK. The company has made several breakthroughs that are considered essential to the advancement of AI technology.
The partnership could also see DeepMind work with the government on AI research in areas such as nuclear fusion, and introduce the Gemini model across UK government and education, the government said.
“DeepMind is a perfect example of what UK-US technology collaboration can achieve, with companies with roots on both sides of the Atlantic supporting British innovators and shaping the curve of technological progress,” UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said in a statement.
“This agreement could help unlock cleaner energy, smarter public services, and new opportunities that benefit communities across the country,” she said.
“AI has incredible potential to drive a new era of scientific discovery and improve everyday life,” Hassabis said.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with the UK Government and build on this country’s rich heritage of innovation to advance science, strengthen security and deliver tangible improvements for our people.”
Since announcing its national AI strategy in January, the UK has been rushing to sign deals with major technology companies to build AI infrastructure and roll out the technology publicly.
Microsoft, Nvidia, Google and OpenAI announced plans to pump more than $40 billion into new AI infrastructure in the country in September during US President Donald Trump’s state visit.
