OpenAI and the U.K. government have signed a new partnership to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure, collaborate on AI safety research and deploy the technology across key public services. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman signed the agreement on Monday.
Under the partnership, OpenAI will support infrastructure priorities identified in the United Kingdom’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. These include potential investments in domestic data centers and the development of advanced, AI-enabled research and development facilities. Additionally, the collaboration will zero in on AI’s potential applications in areas such as justice, education and defense.
Kyle said AI will be fundamental in driving change and economic growth. “This partnership will see more of [OpenAI’s] work taking place in the U.K., creating high-paid tech jobs, driving investment in infrastructure and crucially giving our country agency over how this world-changing technology moves forward,” the secretary added.
OpenAI also plans to expand its London office, the company’s first international location. The office has contributed to the development of frontier AI models and supported local developers and startups.
According to Altman, the partnership is a step toward turning the U.K.’s ambitions into action. “AI is a core technology for nation-building that will transform economies and deliver growth,” the chief executive said. “Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its government was one of the first to recognize the potential of AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan.”
The new collaboration comes as London explores AI deployment in national defense. In May, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force conducted a five-day exercise in Portland Harbour to test AI-powered solutions for automatic target recognition and maritime surveillance.