The UK government has announced around GBP 600 million (USD 800 million) to strengthen artificial intelligence security, improve cyber defenses, and support domestic AI companies. The investment comes as officials warn that increasingly capable AI systems could create new risks for public safety, critical infrastructure and national security.
The largest allocation is a GBP 165 million National AI Biosecurity Initiative, which includes funding for a new laboratory that will use AI to identify biological threats. The package also provides additional funding for AI security research and tools to protect businesses and essential services.
The new AI Biosecurity Lab will receive GBP 100 million to help identify and monitor emerging biological threats. Another GBP 65 million will support biological surveillance and the development of medical countermeasures against priority pathogens.
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said the initiative aims to bring together leading scientific experts to protect the public from emerging biological risks.
OpenAI and Anthropic will contribute up to GBP 200 million in AI model credits to support the initiative. Google DeepMind and UK-based life sciences company Basecamp Research will also provide assistance.
The government will provide an additional GBP 120 million to the AI Security Institute, which evaluates advanced AI models and studies their potential risks. Cybersecurity will receive significant investment through two initiatives. The National Cyber Shield will receive GBP 60 million to strengthen defenses using AI, while an additional GBP 70 million will support the National Exposure and Real-Time Vulnerability Centre.
The projects aim to identify weaknesses in critical infrastructure and improve the response to cyber threats. The government is also planning to expand the National Cyber Security Centre's AI expertise in Manchester.
Beyond security, the funding package includes measures to strengthen the UK's domestic technology industry. The Sovereign AI Fund will receive an additional GBP 60 million to invest in British AI businesses, including companies working on robotics, autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing.
Another GBP 60 million will support research and procurement projects, while GBP 18 million will go towards a new advanced chip design academy. The package also includes GBP 23 million for research into AI's economic impact and GBP 30 million to help regional authorities support local AI adoption.
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The investment reflects the government's effort to benefit from AI while preparing for potential threats. Officials want stronger security systems and greater domestic technological capability as AI adoption expands across industries.
The funding aims to help Britain build AI expertise at home while improving its ability to detect and respond to emerging risks.