Google’s artificial intelligence division, DeepMind, has announced that it will open its first “automated research lab” in the United Kingdom.
The lab, planned for next year, will use AI and robotics to run experiments. Its main focus will be developing new materials for superconductors and semiconductors. These materials could improve medical imaging and next-generation electronics.
The U.K. government said that British scientists will get “priority access” to some of the world’s most advanced AI tools under this partnership.
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“DeepMind serves as the perfect example of what UK-US tech collaboration can deliver—a firm with roots on both sides of the Atlantic backing British innovators,” said U.K. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. She added: “This agreement could help unlock cleaner energy, smarter public services, and new opportunities across the country.”
DeepMind founder Demis Hassabis said: “AI has incredible potential to drive a new era of scientific discovery and improve everyday life. We’re excited to deepen our collaboration with the U.K. government and build on the country’s rich heritage of innovation.”
Founded in London in 2010 and acquired by Google in 2014, DeepMind has maintained a strong U.K. presence and is known for several breakthroughs in AI research. The new lab is part of the U.K.’s plan to expand AI infrastructure and bring advanced technology to public services and education.