Google-owner reveals £5bn AI investment in UK ahead of Trump visit

Google-owner reveals £5bn AI investment in UK ahead of Trump visit

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has revealed plans for a significant £5bn ($6.8bn) investment in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in the UK. This investment is aimed at bolstering infrastructure and advancing scientific research over the course of the next two years. The decision to allocate this substantial sum comes just in time for US President Donald Trump’s state visit, marking the first of several major investments set to be announced by American companies.

In an exclusive interview with BBC News, Ruth Porat, Google’s President and Chief Investment Officer, emphasized the promising prospects for innovative scientific work in the UK. With a focus on the country’s potential for groundbreaking advancements, the tech giant is gearing up to officially launch a state-of-the-art $1bn (£735m) data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The expansion of the data center will be a key component of the investment, as well as the allocation of funds to support DeepMind, a London-based company led by British Nobel Prize winner Sir Demis Hassabis, known for leveraging AI to drive advancements in scientific research. Porat highlighted the burgeoning US-UK technological alliance, underscoring the need to address potential risks and seize the myriad economic and social opportunities that AI presents.

As negotiations surrounding the Digital Services Tax continue between the US and the UK, the focus remains on fostering a conducive environment for US tech investments. Beyond Google’s initiative, additional multi-billion-dollar investments from other American tech giants are anticipated to materialize in the UK in the coming days. The anticipation of these investments has already had a positive impact on the pound, with analysts attributing the currency’s recent strength to the expected influx of US capital.

Alphabet’s recent milestone of surpassing $3tn in total stock market value underscores the company’s robust performance and strategic positioning in the market. With a relentless focus on AI innovation, Google has cemented its status as a leader in the tech industry, continuously pushing the boundaries of research and development. As AI continues to shape the future of various sectors, Alphabet remains committed to fostering a collaborative approach to technology that augments human capabilities and opens up new avenues for growth and innovation

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