A new partnership with Google DeepMind will help to turn cutting-edge AI into real benefits, the UK Government says
The AI company will open its first automated research lab in the UK next year. Run by a team of researchers, automated labs harness technology and robotics to push forward cutting-edge work, making it more productive and efficient.
Using artificial intelligence and robotics to power new discoveries and run experiments, the lab will be built from the ground up to be fully integrated with Gemini. It will focus particularly on developing new cutting-edge superconductor materials which can carry electricity with zero resistance.
New superconductors could be invaluable when it comes to delivering low-cost medical imaging, and other new material discoveries could help to ensure the next generation of computer chips are more efficient as they power the next wave of breakthroughs while supporting lower overall running costs. This investment in UK science could also lead to new technologies that transform transport and accelerate the path to net zero.
The UK Government said the partnership could also lead to:
- Clean energy for the future: Google DeepMind will work with the UK Government and UK scientific community on cutting-edge AI-enabled research in areas like fusion energy – a way of generating power by mimicking the Sun – paving the way for cheaper, greener energy to power homes and businesses.
- Smarter public services: The potential for a new AI system, Gemini for Government, to cut bureaucracy, automate routine tasks, and free up civil servants to focus on what matters most – improving services for people.
- AI in education: Google DeepMind will seek to develop a version of Gemini to help teachers focus on what they do best: teaching. This would be grounded in the national curriculum and tested for safe use – supporting research into AI in education and its impact on teaching and learning.
- Responsible AI development: Google DeepMind will work closely with the UK’s AI Security Institute on foundational research in key areas to help ensure AI is developed safely and benefits everyone.
UK scientists will also be given priority access to Google DeepMind’s existing cutting-edge AI models as part of the deal, harnessing some of the world’s most powerful tech to deliver their work. This includes tools like AlphaGenome – using AI to sequence strands of DNA and spot potential weaknesses which could lead to disease – and AI co-scientist, supporting researchers to generate new theories and research proposals which could help to deliver vital discoveries.
These tools can be likened to an AI microscope – designed to support scientific discovery and enabling researchers to tackle problems of unprecedented complexity and scale. The AlphaFold tool for example, which predicts protein structures, has already furthered work in a range of areas such as crop resilience and antimicrobial resistance. The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology and Google DeepMind will now work together to determine priority access.
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.”
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 agreement will also expand the partnership between Google DeepMind and the UK’s AI Security Institute (AISI) – helping ensure AI is developed safely and responsibly for the public good. This will include critical research to ensure AI not only powers national renewal in the UK, but helps defend against security risks, the UK Government said.
