UK-EU AI Collaboration Boosts Innovation

The UK and EU have launched a groundbreaking AI collaboration initiative, leveraging shared access to supercomputers and research facilities to drive innovation in healthcare, clean energy, and economic growth. This partnership, built on a recent UK-EU agreement, aims to position the UK at the forefront of global AI development while fostering stronger ties with Europe.

The collaboration focuses on enhancing compute power, a critical resource for AI advancements. By connecting British research expertise to advanced supercomputers across Europe, the initiative seeks to address global challenges such as climate change and disease, support the development of advanced AI systems for healthcare and energy, and stimulate economic growth. This aligns with the UK government’s Plan for Change and AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Compute Power and Global Impact

Access to robust compute power is essential for AI progress. The UK-EU collaboration aims to harness this resource to tackle pressing issues like climate change and healthcare. By expanding international collaboration on compute infrastructure, the initiative supports the development of next-generation AI systems that can transform industries and improve lives.

"Supercomputers are the backbone of discovery," said Minister for AI, Feryal Clark. "Strengthening our partnership with Europe will empower British innovators with the compute power needed to address climate and health challenges, grow the economy, and deliver on our Plan for Change." This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to leading in global AI innovation.

AIFactory Antenna: A Hub for AI Development

A key component of the collaboration is the establishment of the UK’s AIFactory Antenna. Public research organizations or consortia can apply to host this facility, which will connect British researchers to EuroHPC’s supercomputers. The selected organization will partner with an AIFactory in Europe, combining EuroHPC compute resources with data, training, and software support.

The AIFactory Antenna will enable UK scientists, startups, and public institutions to build larger, more complex AI models, accelerate innovation, and create skilled jobs. This program builds on the UK’s significant investment in compute infrastructure, including £44 billion in data centers since July of last year. The government will announce the next sites for AI Growth Zones this summer, designed to host AI infrastructure and unlock private investment.

EuroHPC Joint Undertaking

The EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPCJU) is an EU initiative that combines resources from the EU and participating countries to develop European computing infrastructure and research capabilities. It unites supercomputing systems from 35 countries to drive the next generation of computing technologies. The UK joined the EuroHPCJU in May 2024, providing UK researchers with access to EuroHPC’s supercomputers through the UK’s association to Horizon Europe.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) invites UK public research organizations or consortia to apply to host the UK’s AIFactory Antenna. The host organization will partner with an EU-based AIFactory, combining EuroHPC compute with AI development support. Applications are due by Wednesday, 11 June, and the UK government is allocating up to £2.5 million in funding, matched by the EU if the application is successful.

Economic and Innovation Benefits

This collaboration is expected to drive economic growth by creating new jobs and businesses in the AI sector. By fostering innovation in healthcare, clean energy, and other critical areas, the initiative supports the UK’s renewed partnership with Europe, offering opportunities and building stronger relationships.

The UK’s investment in compute infrastructure, combined with its participation in EuroHPCJU, positions the country as a leader in global AI development. This initiative not only enhances the UK’s AI capabilities but also strengthens its role in international AI collaboration, paving the way for future breakthroughs and economic prosperity.