OpenAI partners with UK to help develop the nation’s AI infrastructure

OpenAI has signed a strategic partnership with the U.K. government to help the country attract more private investment into its artificial intelligence sector, according to a memorandum of understanding filed by the U.K.

The agreement calls for OpenAI to explore avenues of expanding AI infrastructure in the U.K., such as data centers, and hire more staff in the region. In return, the U.K. will find ways to integrate OpenAI’s technology into the public sector, such as defense, education and health.

The initiative follows up on the U.K. investing $674M into sovereign AI projects.

“AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country – whether that’s in fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth,” said U.K. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. “That’s why we need to make sure Britain is front and centre when it comes to developing and deploying AI, so we can make sure it works for us.”

OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and SoftBank Group (OTCPK:SFTBY), is a key partner in the Stargate Project, which is a push to invest heavily in the AI infrastructure in the U.S. The Sam Altman-led company is involved in developing AI in other countries as well, such as the United Arab Emirates.

“AI is a core technology for nation building that will transform economies and deliver growth,” Altman said. “Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its government was one of the first to recognise the potential of AI through its AI Opportunities Action Plan.”

The U.K. noted that the memorandum of understanding between itself and OpenAI is voluntary and not legally binding.