Artificial intelligence (AI) projects in various sectors including fashion, farming, and fire-fighting are set to receive a funding boost of £37 million in the UK. The announcement was made by Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, who highlighted the positive impact of AI ahead of the upcoming Safety Summit. The funding is aimed at supporting research teams and businesses in high-growth industries, encouraging them to apply for a share of the £32 million available. This financial support will help these initiatives grow in a responsible and safe manner while contributing to the growth of the wider sector and the UK economy.
Out of the total funding, £5 million will be awarded to feasibility studies for 100 projects involving small businesses across the UK. This will help nurture ideas that have the potential to revolutionize industries and pave the way for game-changing technologies. The funding will be applied to various areas, such as managing power supplies, reducing delays in the railway system, minimizing waste in the construction industry, and monitoring the health of dairy cattle.
As part of the funding announcement, Michelle Donelan visited sustainable fashion brand Kapdaa in Kingston Upon Thames, which has received support for its AI4Fibres project. This project focuses on textile and fiber recycling in the fashion industry, aiming to reduce its environmental footprint. Kapdaa’s AI-based technology can efficiently sort and process textile waste by material, while removing zips and buttons, thus increasing recycling and reducing the amount of garments that end up in landfills. This innovative approach replaces labor-intensive and costly manual methods that rely on accurate labeling or the use of handheld machines to scan each garment individually.
Other projects set to receive funding include TradeWork’s AI-assisted project management systems for more efficient work scheduling, resourcing, budgeting, and completion in the construction industry. DeepPlanet is working on using satellite imagery to detect and predict diseases in wine grape plants, while DigiLab in Exeter is helping farmers identify and verify carbon capture. Better Environment and Transport is exploring solutions to help UK Fire and Rescue services transition to net-zero emissions, resulting in cost savings and reduced pollution.
Michelle Donelan emphasized the positive impact of AI when deployed safely and responsibly, stating that it has the potential to transform the world of work by unlocking productivity and efficiency gains. She also expressed the importance of the upcoming Safety Summit, where world leaders and tech experts will gather to discuss the risks and opportunities associated with AI and how to manage it safely.
The funding opportunities, with a closing date of 8th November, are part of the government’s commitment to supporting innovation and driving responsible solutions. By encouraging collaboration between businesses, academic institutions, and research organizations, the UK aims to harness the potential of AI to shape a better future and boost economic growth.
Kapdaa co-founder Nishant Parekh expressed the company’s goal to make the UK self-sufficient in textile waste, creating a unique system that reduces landfill waste and inspires younger generations to support sustainability.
The funding boost aligns with the UK’s Technology Missions Fund, which aims to develop new capabilities in transformative technologies such as AI and quantum technologies. It further reinforces the country’s commitment to fostering responsible innovation and cementing its position as a global leader in the field.
In conclusion, the £37 million funding boost for AI projects in various sectors highlights the UK government’s support for innovation and responsible development. By investing in initiatives across different industries, the aim is to drive economic growth, reduce environmental impact, and revolutionize work processes. The funding opportunities will enable businesses and research teams to take their ideas to the next level, shaping the future of AI in a safe and responsible manner.
