Companies developing AI to improve safety on construction sites, reduce time spent repairing the railways and cut emissions across supply chains are among a number of projects set to receive a share of £32 million in government funding.
Almost 100 ground-breaking projects have been awarded financial backing as the government continues its mission to boost productivity and kickstart growth across the economy through AI so everyone is better off.
A total of 98 projects will receive the funding, involving more than 200 businesses and research organisations spanning a range of sectors including public services, driving efficiencies and reducing administrative tasks.
Minister for digital government and AI Feryal Clark said: "AI will deliver real change for working people across the UK – not only growing our economy but improving our public services.
"That’s why our support for initiatives like this will be so crucial – backing a range of projects which could reduce train delays, give us new ways of maintaining our vital infrastructure, and improve experiences for patients by making it easier to get their prescriptions to them.
"We want technology to boost growth and deliver change right across the board, and I’m confident projects like these will help us realise that ambition."
One of the projects to receive funding is V-Lab Ltd, which has been given £165,006 to further develop software powered by AI to help people train in the construction sector.
Their system offers immersive, scenario-based virtual simulations of real construction sites to efficiently train workers on risk assessments and safety protocols.
Pharmacies that deliver prescriptions across the country are also set to benefit from this financial support.
A project led by Nottingham-based Anteam will see them working alongside retailers and the NHS to improve the efficiency of their deliveries using AI algorithms. This technology will match the delivery needs of retailers and hospitals to existing delivery journeys, unlocking under-utilised capacity, cutting carbon emissions and delivering a better experience for patients.
The funding will specifically support solutions in ‘high growth’ industries, in an effort to ensure AI is at the heart of driving forward greater productivity and efficiency across key areas of the economy. Cambridge-based Monumo are part of a team awarded £750,152 to develop improved designs for motors in electric vehicles – their 3D Generative-AI Tool is set to improve sustainability across sectors spanning commercial transportation, flight and power generation.
