UK backs two new AI labs to drive cheaper and more accessible technology

The UK government announced funding for two new AI research labs at the University of Oxford and University College London to make advanced AI systems cheaper, more reliable, and easier for organizations to use, backed by £60 million over six years.
The labs aim to strengthen Britain’s global position in AI research and innovation by exploring fundamental improvements in AI system construction and training, including reducing reliance on costly centralized computing.
Two complementary research programmes will be developed: the Science of Fundamental AI Research (SOFAIR) Lab at UCL will focus on creating open-source AI technologies for common systems, while the BOLD Lab at Oxford will explore AI learning and adaptation methods.
The funds will also support doctoral students and early-career researchers, fostering development in the AI workforce and collaboration with other top UK research institutions.
The initiative forms part of a broader UKRI AI Strategy aimed at expanding AI research and innovation across the country, reducing dependency on global tech providers, and ensuring AI’s benefits are widely shared.