In a significant milestone, RAi UK, a University of Southampton-led initiative, has awarded £12 million in funding to cutting-edge AI projects. This investment supports the responsible development and deployment of AI across various sectors, including law enforcement, financial services, and health and social care.

RAi UK, with a £31 million budget over four years, connects UK research with global institutions and research centers, promoting best practices for AI development and deployment. The initiative focuses on creating an ecosystem for strategic partnerships, research, and training programs, as well as public and policy engagement.

Three interdisciplinary projects will tackle emerging AI concerns, including generative AI, spanning financial services, health and social care, and law enforcement. According to Gopal Ramchurn, CEO of RAi UK and professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Southampton, these projects will address complex sociotechnical challenges in AI deployment.

Ramchurn emphasized that responsible AI deployment goes beyond government and industry, requiring engagement between AI experts, researchers, and policymakers. Since its launch in 2023, RAi has provided £13 million in funding, supporting research at institutions like the Alan Turing Institute and AI Safety Institute.

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is backing RAi as part of the UK government's plan to establish the country as a hub for AI advancement. Dr. Kedar Pandya, UKRI's technology fund SRO, highlighted AI's potential for positive impact and the importance of responsible use. The UKRI has a £1 billion portfolio of AI investments, and the RAi funding will complement this, building public trust in AI and leveraging its benefits.