UK Government announces new AI investments including a new AI Growth Zone in South Wales

The UK Government has announced a new package of investment in AI, aiming to support new jobs and growth.

Announced ahead of the next Budget, the investment includes the launch of a new AI Growth Zone in South Wales, creating more than 5,000 new jobs over the next ten years. The £10 billion investment will be supported by Vantage Data Centers and Microsoft.

Vantage Data Centers says it will work with universities in South Wales to support skills in AI, developing the next generation of AI leaders.

New AI ambassadors have also been named, aiming to maximise the benefits of AI in Britain. The ambassadors include former Chief Economist of the IMF Simon Johnson, Monzo’s Co-founder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Vice President of Research Raia Hadsell. 

Free compute will also be offered to British researchers and start-ups, helping them to train new AI models. The government says it will spend up to £250 million on compute through the scheme.

“Today’s confirmation of our fourth AI Growth Zone is our Plan for Change in action - creating thousands of jobs and unlocking new investment for local communities in the industries of the future, cementing our position as Europe’s leading tech sector,” Chancellor Rachel Reeves says. 

David Howson, President of Vantage Data Centers, EMEA, adds: “This is a welcome signal of the government’s commitment to South Wales and strengthens what is already one of the most exciting AI development opportunities in the UK. As a company at the forefront of global AI infrastructure, we see world-class potential here in South Wales.

“The breadth of talent, connectivity and local support have all shaped Vantage’s investment here. We look forward to building on those strengths in partnership with the UK and Welsh governments.”

Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Professor of Structural Bioinformatics at the University of Oxford adds: “AI is rapidly expanding what is scientifically possible. We are committed to harnessing its potential to improve people’s lives and drive economic growth, from better healthcare, cleaner energy, to more resilient infrastructure.

“Strong partnership between UKRI and DSIT is vital to ensure these technologies deliver meaningful benefits for communities nationwide and today’s announcements mark an important moment in that shared effort to accelerate progress.”