Jessica O'ConnorA new government partnership with Google DeepMind is set to deepen the UK’s use of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) across science, energy, education and public services, with implications for workforce capability, skills development and future job creation.
The agreement gives UK scientists priority access to some of the world’s most powerful AI research tools and will see DeepMind open its first automated research lab in the UK next year.
The Government said the partnership will help turn “cutting-edge AI into real benefits for people,” including more efficient public services and new economic opportunities linked to AI-driven industries.
Automated labs, which combine AI and robotics to run complex experiments, have the potential to accelerate scientific discovery and create demand for new technical roles in materials science, engineering and AI operations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This partnership will make sure we harness developments in AI for public good so that everyone feels the benefits.
“That means using AI to tackle everyday challenges like cutting energy bills thanks to cheaper, greener energy and making our public services more efficient so that taxpayers’ money is spent on what matters most to people.
“This is national renewal in action – driving innovation to make our country stronger and fairer for everyone.”
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “DeepMind serves as the perfect example of what UK-US tech collaboration can deliver – a firm with roots on both sides of the Atlantic backing British innovators to shape the curve of technological progress.
“This agreement could help to unlock cleaner energy, smarter public services, and new opportunities which will benefit communities up and down the country.
“Science and technology are at the heart of our mission to drive a new era of national renewal – and partnerships like this will help us go further, faster.”
DeepMind’s new UK facility will focus on the discovery of next-generation superconductor materials and other innovations that could support emerging sectors, potentially influencing future skills demands across engineering, energy and advanced manufacturing. The company will also work with government to explore how a version of Gemini could help automate administrative processes in public services and support teachers with curriculum-aligned tools.
Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind co-founder and CEO said: “AI has incredible potential to drive a new era of scientific discovery and improve everyday life.
“We’re excited to deepen our collaboration with the UK government and build on the country’s rich heritage of innovation to advance science, strengthen security, and deliver tangible improvements for citizens.”
The partnership will also support the workforce through expanded AI capabilities in sectors such as energy and life sciences, and is expected to create new roles in AI safety, digital operations, and applied research.
DeepMind will work with the UK’s AI Security Institute on foundational research to ensure models are developed safely and deployed responsibly in both public and private sector settings.
