Sovereign AI Fund
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what is the 'UK benefit test' required for those applying for funds from the Sovereign AI fund.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan
Sovereign AI is designed to help the most promising UK AI companies start, scale and remain anchored in the UK. The Fund only invests in companies with a strong UK nexus, which is assessed as part of the decision-making process. This includes reviewing domicile, headquarters, the location of key executives, technical staff and R&D activity, and expected UK procurement, infrastructure and ecosystem contribution. This assessment ensures that the Fund’s investment activity, as part of the wider Sovereign AI offer, results in the realisation of the UK economic and strategic benefits the Fund is designed to achieve.
For non-equity support, UK anchoring is reflected in published eligibility and assessment criteria, including UK registration and requirements to demonstrate substantive R&D in the UK where applicable.
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