The UK government has officially announced the establishment of the new Centre for AI Measurement, led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Backed by funding of £10.5 million, this initiative aims to position the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence innovation. The centre will promote collaboration among industry, startups, and researchers to develop scientifically rigorous standards for AI models.
The NPL emphasized that the centre will create an environment conducive to research and innovation. It is designed to provide vital expertise and support to assist organizations in developing and piloting technical assurance tools. This initiative aims to expedite the introduction of trustworthy AI assurance tools to market. “Robust, trusted tools for assessing the safety and effectiveness of emerging AI systems are essential for businesses to deploy them with confidence,” stated Kanishka Narayan, the UK’s AI Minister.
He added, “That’s why it is one of the key pillars of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. The centre delivers on that promise—uniting industry, start-ups, and researchers to create new ways for organisations to identify and mitigate risks early.” This long-term strategy is expected to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies, maintaining the UK’s competitive edge in cutting-edge innovations.
As the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL has been active in the sphere of AI through its Life Cycle for Trustworthy and Safe Artificial Intelligence initiative. In addition to the new Centre for AI Measurement, NPL is a founding partner of the AI Standards Hub, which focuses on developing global standards for artificial intelligence applications.
The creation of this centre is part of the broader £11 million AI Assurance Innovation Fund aimed at promoting the safe development of AI technologies. “The UK has world-class expertise in AI, and through the creation of the Centre for AI Measurement, we aim to strengthen the UK’s leadership in developing and adopting secure and trustworthy AI,” said Peter Thompson, CEO of NPL. He emphasized the centre’s role in fostering independent national resources that support the development of AI assurance capabilities, economic growth, and national security.
This announcement follows the release of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has seen the government implement approximately three-quarters of its proposed measures within a year. Through the Sovereign AI Unit, the government has earmarked up to £500 million to support UK AI companies.
“There is more to do. Our ambition is to make Britain the fastest adopting AI country in the G7,” stated Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that British researchers and entrepreneurs have access to the necessary resources, including capital and a supportive ecosystem, to establish world-class businesses within the UK.
The establishment of the Centre for AI Measurement marks a significant step in the UK’s ongoing efforts to lead in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. As the global demand for AI technologies continues to grow, the UK’s commitment to developing robust standards and tools will play a critical role in shaping the future landscape of the industry.
