AI Research Resource (AIRR)
Applications are open for high-potential UK startups to access the AI Research Resource (AIRR).
AIRR is the UK’s national AI compute capability, powered by the country’s most advanced supercomputers, including Isambard and DAWN. Capability is available to a small number of strategically significant AI companies.
For founders building at the frontier, compute is often a defining constraint. The ability to train models, run experiments, and iterate quickly can determine whether a company leads or falls behind.
Sovereign AI unlocks access to this infrastructure, giving startups the tools they need to build, scale and compete globally.
AIRR is the UK’s national AI compute capability, powered by the country’s most advanced supercomputers, including Isambard and DAWN. Capability is available to a small number of strategically significant AI companies.
For founders building at the frontier, compute is often a defining constraint. The ability to train models, run experiments, and iterate quickly can determine whether a company leads or falls behind.
Sovereign AI unlocks access to this infrastructure, giving startups the tools they need to build, scale and compete globally.
Key Details
Up to 1 million GPU hours available per startup.
Open to applications now.
Companies receiving equity investment through Sovereign AI or accessing
the AI Research Resource undergo due diligence and are expected to
comply with all applicable laws, including UK copyright law
the AI Research Resource undergo due diligence and are expected to
comply with all applicable laws, including UK copyright law
Eligibility
UK-based AI R&D
Applicants must demonstrate substantive AI research and development activity in the United Kingdom.
Focus Areas
Strategically significant AI
Compute efficiency, next-gen models, health & life sciences, scientific discovery, trust & assurance, and dual-use systems.
Assessment
Four core criteria
Strategic relevance to UK capability, scaling pathway, technical quality and research ambition, and material compute requirement.
Who can apply for AIRR access?
Priority Focus Areas
Assessment Criteria
Strategic Assets PROGRAMMES
Strategic Assets
We don’t just invest. We offer what no other VC can. Access to procurement opportunities, funding for AI datasets and lab infrastructure, and levers to turn breakthrough ideas into global companies.
Strategic Assets Funding
Some of the most important inputs for AI startups don't exist yet. These are the things that shape how fast you can move, what you can build, and whether you can do it in the UK.
The Strategic Assets Programme is how we fix that. It sits alongside our fund, and provides R&D support for pre-competitive projects that help prospective portfolio companies move faster, go further, and build from here.
Right now we're focused on two types of asset:
• High-quality AI datasets
• Autonomous lab infrastructure
You can build the asset yourself. You can work as part of a consortium with universities, research organisations or other partners. In some cases, others might be best placed to build it. What matters is that the asset gets built, that it's accessible to the founders and firms who need it, and that it makes the UK the best place to scale.
This is part of how we back founders — not just with capital, but by building the infrastructure around you that helps you win.
The Strategic Assets Programme is how we fix that. It sits alongside our fund, and provides R&D support for pre-competitive projects that help prospective portfolio companies move faster, go further, and build from here.
Right now we're focused on two types of asset:
• High-quality AI datasets
• Autonomous lab infrastructure
You can build the asset yourself. You can work as part of a consortium with universities, research organisations or other partners. In some cases, others might be best placed to build it. What matters is that the asset gets built, that it's accessible to the founders and firms who need it, and that it makes the UK the best place to scale.
This is part of how we back founders — not just with capital, but by building the infrastructure around you that helps you win.
Approvals
£160M Programme
A larger programme is expected to follow this initial programme, with total spending over the four-year period rising to up to £160 million, subject to approvals.
Funding per project
£10M – Initial round
Individual awards of £1M-£9M now.
Status
Open for applications
Please read the full competition guidance before applying, including the eligibility requirements, assessment process and key dates.
Required Reading
Competition Guidance
Read the full competition guidance before applying, including eligibility requirements, assessment process and key dates.
Procurement
Government as your first customer
As part of the Sovereign AI Fund’s integrated approach, government will act as an early customer to help validate novel AI solutions and de-risk investment for the wider market. We know the difference government contracts can make for startups by providing revenue, credibility, and leveraging private investment.
We’re designing this part of our offer now, in line with the 300+ responses to our market engagement. Opening for applications in the summer.
Budget
£80M available
Up to £80 million available for government contracts to purchase novel AI solutions, subject to approvals.
Ready to Apply?
Start building on British infrastructure.
Apply for compute access alongside other programmes in a single submission.
start application
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