The UK has set out its intention to use artificial intelligence to support prosperity and public safety, and Google DeepMind has confirmed a strengthened partnership to help deliver that vision. Both sides view AI as a tool that can raise productivity, support better decision making and speed up scientific progress.
The UK already has a strong foundation in research and innovation, and this agreement aims to build on that position. The collaboration focuses on three national priorities. Scientific discovery. Education. Public sector modernization and security.
Supporting UK scientists with frontier AI models
DeepMind will offer UK researchers priority access to its advanced science focused models. These include tools designed to support genomics research, improve weather forecasting and act as virtual scientific collaborators. They build on the impact of AlphaFold, which has already helped thousands of UK scientists investigate challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and crop resilience.
DeepMind also confirmed that its first automated science laboratory will open in the UK in 2026. The facility will use robotics and AI to develop and test new materials at scale. Accelerating materials science could lead to advances in low cost medical imaging, more efficient energy systems and next generation chips.
Improving teaching and learning
Northern Ireland’s recent pilot showed the effect AI can have on teacher workload. Gemini helped educators cut administrative tasks and generate lesson ideas, saving an average of 10 hours each week. Early studies have also suggested that AI tutoring can improve students’ ability to solve new problems.
The partnership aims to expand this work across the UK. Research will examine how AI tools support learning, and DeepMind will explore adapting its models to align with England’s national curriculum.
Modernising public services
Government teams are now testing AI systems designed to reduce administrative delays. One example is Extract, a tool developed with the i.AI incubator. It converts old planning documents into structured digital data in under a minute. At present, the same task can take officials up to two hours.
Strengthening national security
DeepMind and the UK AI Security Institute will work together on research into explainability, system alignment and wider societal impact. The partnership also explores how AI can strengthen cyber resilience, including tools that can detect vulnerabilities and repair code automatically.
A wider international effort
DeepMind says this work sits alongside broader collaborations with governments, including the US-UK Tech Prosperity Deal. The aim is to ensure AI supports scientific progress, innovation and secure digital infrastructure.
The partnership signals the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in applying AI to public benefit while maintaining a strong focus on safety and responsible development.
