Sovereign AI Strategic Assets Grants Open to UK Organisations

Support for shared datasets and automated laboratory infrastructure

The Sovereign AI Strategic Assets Grants Programme is offering £9 million in funding to UK organisations developing shared strategic artificial intelligence assets to strengthen the UK’s position in the sector.

The programme supports the creation of high-value AI datasets and autonomous or automated laboratory infrastructure designed to improve access to resources for testing, validation, commercialisation and scaling of AI technologies. It forms part of a wider funding offer for AI development in the UK, with a larger Strategic Assets Programme of up to £160 million expected later in 2026, subject to approval.

Grants range from £1 million to £9 million and may cover eligible costs such as equipment, infrastructure, capital expenditure, intangible asset development and limited commissioning activity. Funding is available under two tracks. The non-commercial track may provide up to 100% of eligible costs where outputs are openly accessible. The commercial track typically provides up to 50%, with up to 70% available in certain cases where private matched funding is provided and wider benefits are demonstrated.

UK-registered organisations including companies, universities, research organisations and charities can apply. Consortia are permitted if led by a UK-registered organisation. Projects must be delivered in the UK and align with specified focus areas including health and life sciences, AI for scientific discovery and defence and national security.