UK Technology Minister Peter Kyle and CEO Sam Altman Sign Cooperation Agreement to Build AI Infrastructure, Share Security Research, and Apply AI to Public Services.
The UK Government has officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with OpenAI to explore investment opportunities in AI infrastructure and expand security research collaboration. The agreement was signed by Technology Minister Peter Kyle and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Monday, affirming their commitment to development based on the UK's strengths in science, innovation, and human resources.
According to the official statement, the agreement comes as OpenAI expands its operations in the London office - the company's first international office in two years. The Microsoft-backed startup is considering expanding its research and technical team in the UK and sharing technical information with the UK AI Security Institute to enhance understanding of AI capabilities and security risks.
The collaboration will allow the UK to apply AI to improve public service efficiency, expand monitoring and technology regulation capabilities. The UK Government stated it will deploy AI in areas such as justice, defense, security, and educational technology, in compliance with UK standards to demonstrate the potential for improving state budget efficiency.
Investing 500 Million Pounds in Sovereign AI Strategy
This development is part of a plan to invest up to 500 million pounds in sovereign AI, supporting domestic AI businesses and strengthening cooperation with top global companies. According to the agreement, OpenAI will explore infrastructure deployment opportunities under the AI Opportunity Action Strategy - an initiative funded with 2 billion pounds under the national spending plan.
OpenAI may invest in AI Growth Zones, with Scotland and Wales confirmed as the locations for the first two zones under the UK Computational Infrastructure Strategy. This could help develop world-changing AI technology directly in the UK, promoting innovation and economic growth.
"AI will play a core role in driving change in the UK - from reforming the NHS healthcare system, expanding access opportunities for citizens, to promoting economic growth," Minister Peter Kyle emphasized. "We need to ensure the UK remains at the center of AI development and deployment, so that this technology serves national interests."
CEO Sam Altman affirmed that AI will be a pillar of economic transformation and growth driver, while highlighting the UK's special potential in this field. "The United Kingdom has a long-standing scientific heritage, and its government is among the first to recognize AI's potential. Now is the time to realize goals, turn ambitions into action, and bring prosperity to all," Altman stated.
