The UK Government has launched more than 100 AI trials aimed at boosting small-business productivity, marking a significant step in its commitment to AI innovation.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced that 120 projects will receive a share of £7 million in government funding to test AI technology across various sectors.
These trials are part of the government’s broader AI Opportunities Action Plan, unveiled on January 13, 2025, by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The plan aims to position the UK as a global leader in AI innovation and adoption, with potential implications for economic growth across the nation, including Scotland.
Among the innovative projects are AI tools designed to predict potholes before they appear, anticipate mould growth in buildings, and reduce food waste in bakeries.
This initiative follows the government’s acceptance of all 50 recommendations made by tech entrepreneur Matt Clifford in the action plan.
In a surprising turn of events, the previously cancelled Edinburgh Exascale Supercomputer project is now expected to be funded through a partnership with the private sector. This development comes after the initial £800 million government investment was withdrawn in August 2024, causing concern in Scotland’s financial and tech sectors.
The revival of the supercomputer project aligns with the government’s commitment to expand compute power and AI infrastructure in the UK.
This renewed focus on AI and technology appears to be part of a wider trend in Scottish business, sparked by the recent UK Government AI policy announcement.
The strategy includes the establishment of AI Growth Zones, with potential locations in de-industrialised areas of Scotland.
Additionally, the creation of an AI Energy Council could present significant opportunities for Scotland’s robust energy sector, particularly in renewable energy.
Heather Martin, interim CEO of The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, expressed enthusiasm for the government’s plans: “The investment in AI in today’s AI Action Plan is hugely welcomed. Following the comment by Richard Lochead, MSP, on the opportunity of AI for Scotland, we wholeheartedly agree that Scotland is already well-placed to deliver on this with significant potential to benefit society for all and grow the economy.”
Also reacting to the latest developments was Stewart Miller, CEO of the National Robotarium in Edinburgh, who commented that:
“The AI Opportunities Action Plan represents a significant step forward for the UK’s technology sector. As the physical manifestation of AI in our world, robotics will be crucial to delivering the Government’s vision for AI-driven economic growth and public service transformation.
At the National Robotarium, we’re already demonstrating how AI-enabled robotics can transform healthcare delivery, support offshore energy maintenance, and drive manufacturing innovation. The commitment to establish AI Growth Zones and increase compute capacity will be particularly valuable in accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation robotics solutions.
The National Robotarium stands ready to support this agenda through our work in developing AI-enabled robotics solutions, training the next generation of robotics engineers, and helping businesses adopt these transformative technologies.”
As these AI trials commence and the Edinburgh supercomputer project regains momentum, Scotland appears poised to capitalise on the AI revolution, potentially driving innovation and economic growth across various sectors.