- UK government sets aside £7m for AI projects
- 120 projects funded to develop AI tools
- This hopes to increase the productivity and efficiency of small businesses
As part of the UK government’s recently announced AI Opportunities Plan, £7 million has been allocated to fund AI projects across the country, with the aim of “supercharging” growth by encouraging innovation. use of this technology. The 120 projects will receive a share of the funding, allowing them to test technologies to increase productivity and efficiency.
An example given by the government to recipients of this funding includes an algorithm that can help bakeries predict sales, as well as predict the quantity of each product that will need to be produced and therefore reduce food waste, although it It’s hard to imagine a successful bakery. who doesn’t already know how much it’s likely to sell for.
The government says the move will help “unleash the revolutionary potential of this technology” to generate growth and help boost the productivity of small businesses, making Britain more competitive and cementing the nation as a number one destination. one in Europe for AI companies.
An ambitious project
The plan also suggests an AI tool to “predict potholes before they form” so they can be repaired sooner and more cheaply (although again, it’s difficult to ‘imagine that a pothole is repaired before it forms), as well as a rather ambitious AI. models to “help farmers ensure their dairy cows produce better yields”.
The news comes after the government recently canceled a £1.3bn investment plan in AI, sidelining technology projects such as the proposed £800m Exascale supercomputer, as well as 500 million pounds earmarked for investment in computing power for AI research resources. The 7 million promised here are nothing in comparison.
Despite this, ministers are confident it will have a transformative effect, with Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle commenting: “The huge range of projects receiving funding today, from farmers and bakers to those who tackling potholes on our roads and mold in residential properties, truly demonstrates the limitless benefits of AI at your fingertips. »
“And we will, with our 50-point AI Opportunity Plan, published yesterday, to unleash AI across the UK, delivering a decade of national renewal and launching our plan for change.”
