UKRI: Host sites for the next wave of UK government AI infrastructure

01/02/2024

13/02/2024

DSIT and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are seeking to identify and select organisations with the ability to host and operate large-scale compute systems for AI applications, comprising at least 2,000 graphics processing units or equivalent AI-optimised compute architecture. They should also be capable of being delivered in the planned timescales 2024 to 2026. This funding opportunity is to identify potential host sites and associate support teams to manage the next wave of AI compute investment. This funding opportunity is open to host site providers and their support teams who have experience and the physical capability of hosting a national large scale compute investment, within the timescales of this funding opportunity. Sites must be capable of receiving physical infrastructure and starting initial testing and operation by January 2026, including necessary completion of power upgrades and site construction. However, to be eligible for the first year of investment, sites will need to be able to deliver some infrastructure in the 2024 and 2025 financial year (6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025). Amount note Within the £500 million envelope there is no limit to the amount of funding you can apply for. Funding is available for up to five years, with the possibility of further extension. UKRI will fund 100% of the full economic cost.

Computer Science & Informatics

Applicant type Academic Institution; Commercial or Private Sector; Government or Public Sector; Non-profit Career stages Not Applicable Eligibility Note Hosts should: be based in the UK have suitable experience of managing such investments have the space, power and cooling capability to support the infrastructure investment be capable of hosting and operating systems from 2024 and no later than March 2026