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Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Non-affiliated) on Monday, 2 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Labour) on Monday, 16 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Artificial Intelligence: Business and Research

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve access to AI computing capacity for UK researchers, start-ups and businesses.

Answer

This government is committed to harnessing the power of compute to enable innovations that will deliver growth and opportunity and for people across the UK.

The AI Research Resource (AIRR) is now live and is free to use for the UK’s scientists, public sector organisations, and start-ups and SMEs. It is made up of two supercomputers: Dawn at Cambridge, and Isambard-AI in Bristol – one of the world’s top 10 public supercomputers and the 4th greenest in the world.

DSIT are investing up to £2 billion in public compute until 2030. This includes expanding our AI Research Resource twentyfold by 2030. As part of this, HMG recently announced a £36 million investment to expand Cambridge’s DAWN supercomputer sixfold by spring 2026. These investments will provide UK researchers and start‑ups free access to world‑class AI compute, enabling breakthroughs in areas such as personalised medicine, climate modelling and more efficient public services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14203
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Business Research Artificial intelligence
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk