Zarah ChoudharyThe Government has revealed that 120 projects will receive a share of £7m in funding to test artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that could transform industries ranging from agriculture to transport, construction, and beyond.
Small businesses across the country will benefit from AI tools aimed at boosting productivity and efficiency.
These tools include systems that predict potholes before they form, and models designed to help farmers optimise dairy yields.
The support focuses on helping smaller businesses tackle key challenges and equipping researchers to address everyday problems.
For example, one project is using AI to cut food waste and protect profit margins in a bakery by predicting sales and forecasting how much of each product needs to be made daily.
Additionally, an AI model is being trialled to anticipate where mould is likely to grow in buildings, allowing for remediation before it becomes a health and safety issue.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Putting AI to work across the economy can help businesses cut waste, move faster, and be more productive.
“The huge range of projects receiving funding today – from farmers and bakers to those tackling potholes and mould – shows the limitless benefits of AI that are there for the taking.
“And take them we will, with our 50-point AI Opportunities Plan, published yesterday, to unleash AI across the UK, delivering a decade of national renewal and firing up our Plan for Change.”
The funding is part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund and is delivered through the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme.
This initiative builds on the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, a roadmap to expand AI adoption, boost living standards, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth across the UK.
AI’s transformative potential is further emphasised by recent investments, including £1m to develop bespoke AI tools for teachers, with nearly half of educators already utilising AI to enhance their work.
The BridgeAI programme also offers businesses access to training, scientific expertise, and expert guidance to support the development and implementation of AI innovations.
Dr Kedar Pandya, senior responsible owner at the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, said: “Today’s investment is a major boost to the BridgeAI target sectors, where AI adoption could greatly improve productivity and efficiency.
“UKRI is uniquely positioned to bring together businesses and research organisations across sectors to discover where AI can make the most difference to people’s lives and the UK economy.”
Esra Kasapoglu, director of AI and data economy at UKRI-Innovate UK, added: “The adoption of AI in UK industry is fundamental to supporting the country’s economic growth.
“Today’s investment will enable us, through BridgeAI, to help more companies unlock the potential of AI in their businesses and further develop projects already demonstrating impact.”
