UK Government To Gush £23M Into The AI And Data Scene To Help Youth From Underrepresented Groups

Up to £23 million in government funding will create more AI and data conversion courses, helping young people from underrepresented groups including women, black people and people with disabilities join the UK’s world-leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry.

Up to two thousand scholarships for master AI conversion courses, which enable graduates to do further study courses in the field even if their undergraduate course is not directly related, will create a new generation of experts in data science and AI.

The UK has a long history in AI, from codebreaker Alan Turing’s early work to London-based DeepMind’s pioneering research to enable quicker and more advanced drug discovery.

AI underpins the apps that help us navigate cities, stop online banking fraud, and communicate with smart speakers.

The UK is ranked third in the world for private venture capital investment into AI companies (2019 investment into the UK reached almost £2.5 billion) and is home to a third of Europe’s total AI companies.

But its tech scene lack serious diversity and that’s proven in the numbers.

The new scholarships will ensure more people can build successful careers in AI companies, create and develop new and bigger businesses, and will improve the diversity of this growing and innovative tech sector.

DCMS Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy Chris Philp said: “The UK is already a world leader in AI. Today we’re investing millions to ensure people from all parts of society can access the opportunities and benefits AI is creating in this country.

“We are doubling the number of AI scholarships previously available to underrepresented groups to build a diverse and inclusive workforce fit for the future of tech.”

Motown recording artist Tiana Major9 added, “As an artist, it is always a goal of mine to work with incredible women creatives and I believe that talent can truly come from anywhere. I am so excited to work closely with Motown Records and Google on this Creator Program to help uplift emerging creators.”