Google has announced a significant investment in the UK, pledging £5 billion over the next two years to support the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) development. This move comes ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to arrive in the UK on Tuesday. The investment will be allocated towards Google’s capital expenditure, research and development, including its pioneering AI research in science and healthcare through Google DeepMind.
The tech giant is also set to open a new data centre in Waltham Cross, eastern Hertfordshire, which was announced last year with a $1 billion investment. This latest announcement is in addition to the previously pledged funds, according to a Google spokesperson.
President Trump’s visit to the UK is expected to be a significant one, with a focus on strengthening ties between the two countries in the areas of science and technology. He will be accompanied by a number of US tech CEOs, including the heads of Nvidia and OpenAI, when he meets with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
The two countries are poised to sign agreements worth around £10 billion, including a partnership to accelerate the development of a new nuclear project and a “world-leading tech partnership”. This partnership aims to promote cooperation in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and clean energy.
The UK government has already welcomed plans by US finance firms, including PayPal and Citigroup Group, to invest £1.25 billion in the country. The nuclear partnership is expected to provide faster regulatory approval and attract new private sector investment deals for nuclear projects, supporting the UK’s efforts to meet its net zero and energy security targets.
Google’s investment in the UK is a significant boost to the country’s AI sector, and underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in driving technological innovation. As the UK and US prepare to sign new agreements, the focus will be on harnessing the potential of science and technology to drive economic growth and address global challenges.
