On Tuesday, Google announced an investment of £5 billion ($6.8 billion) in the UK over the next two years to support the nation’s AI initiatives, preceding a visit from US President Donald Trump.
The funds will be allocated for the company’s capital expenditures, research, and development. It will include Google DeepMind’s innovative AI research in science and healthcare, according to a statement from Google.
On Tuesday, Google is set to inaugurate a data center in Waltham Cross, eastern Hertfordshire, which was revealed last year alongside a $1 billion investment. A Google representative informed AFP that Tuesday’s announcement will be in addition to the funds already committed.
Trump was scheduled to arrive in Britain later Tuesday for a significant second state visit, during which the UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer would exert considerable effort to appease the unpredictable American president.
A senior US official stated that Trump will be joined by a “significant” contingent of US IT CEOs at his meeting with Starmer at his country residence on Thursday.
Reports from US media indicate that the leaders of chip manufacturer Nvidia and OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, would be included.
The US official informed reporters, including AFP, that this visit will emphasize a new collaboration in science and technology, encompassing billions of dollars in fresh investment.
The two nations are poised to finalize deals valued at over £10 billion, encompassing an initiative to accelerate the development of a new nuclear project and what British officials describe as “a world-leading tech partnership.”
On Sunday, Starmer praised the intentions of US financial institutions, including PayPal and Citigroup, to invest £1.25 billion in the UK.
The nuclear partnership ensures expedited regulatory approval and numerous new private sector investment agreements for nuclear initiatives, as the UK strives to achieve its net zero and energy security objectives.
