UK and Google DeepMind strike major AI partnership covering science, education, and public services

The UK government has announced a new partnership with Google DeepMind that will give British researchers priority access to advanced AI models, support AI use in education, and establish the country’s first automated research lab, marking a significant step in national AI strategy.

UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall signs the government’s partnership agreement with Google DeepMind at the announcement. Photo credit: UK Government

The UK government has confirmed a new partnership with Google DeepMind aimed at accelerating scientific research, improving public services, and expanding the responsible use of artificial intelligence across education and government.

The agreement, announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, positions the UK as a priority market for Google DeepMind’s advanced AI tools and research infrastructure. It includes plans for an automated research lab, expanded collaboration on AI safety, and the development of AI systems aligned with the English curriculum, with implications for EdTech, skills development, and public sector delivery.

Automated research lab and priority access for scientists

As part of the partnership, Google DeepMind will open its first automated research lab in the UK next year. The lab will combine artificial intelligence and robotics to run experiments and accelerate discovery, with an initial focus on superconducting materials that can carry electricity with zero resistance.

The government says the lab will support research into areas such as medical imaging, next-generation computer chips, transport innovation, and clean energy, including fusion. British researchers will also receive priority access to several DeepMind models, including AlphaGenome and AI co-scientist, tools designed to support complex scientific analysis and theory generation.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer says: “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.”

AI in education and public services

The partnership also outlines plans to explore AI tools for use in education and government. Google DeepMind says it will seek to develop a version of Gemini designed to support teachers, grounded in the national curriculum and tested for safe use.

In government, the proposed Gemini for Government system is intended to reduce administrative workload, automate routine tasks, and allow civil servants to focus on service delivery. The government describes the initiative as part of a wider effort to modernize public services and improve efficiency.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says: “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.”

Safety, security, and long-term AI strategy

Alongside research and deployment, the agreement expands collaboration between Google DeepMind and the UK’s AI Security Institute, focusing on foundational research into AI safety, risk mitigation, and responsible development.

Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO at Google DeepMind, says: “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 supports the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and the £137 million AI for Science Strategy. According to the government, recent AI agreements have already contributed to more than £24.25 billion in private investment commitments to the UK tech sector.

The memorandum underpinning the partnership is voluntary and non-binding, with no financial commitments attached. Officials say further decisions on procurement and implementation will be taken separately.