Alan Turing Institute wants to build a UK AI model from scratch and make it free (hotminute.co.uk)

The Alan Turing Institute has announced a proposal to develop a free, open-source AI model in the UK, aiming to bolster national capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technology. This initiative comes as part of recommendations from the Council for Science and Technology (CST), which emphasizes the importance of AI sovereignty in ensuring the UK can strategically manage AI development and its applications for domestic needs like health and education. Significantly, the CST warns that without proactive measures, the UK risks becoming merely a high-value customer in the AI space, lacking the control necessary for shaping technological advancements. The proposal outlines a comprehensive AI Sovereignty Plan that would map the nation’s AI ecosystem, ensuring the UK can effectively access and govern essential data and computing resources. The council recommends piloting various AI initiatives to explore how UK-developed systems can better serve specific use cases, ultimately facilitating a balance between adopting global models and fostering local innovation. By appointing a dedicated leader for these initiatives and promoting foundational research, the CST encourages a sustainable and resilient AI framework that could enhance the UK’s global standing in AI technology.