AI Futures Grants

Are you interested in hiring international AI talent?

Applications open Monday 19 February 2024 (closing date: 18 March 2024)

The UK Government has launched AI Futures Grants, a new grant scheme that will provide funding to help the next generation of AI leaders meet the costs of relocating to the UK.

UK based universities, research institutes and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for funding of up to £100,000 to cover relocation costs, helping to attract early to mid-career AI researchers and engineers with exceptional promise to move to the UK.

Who can apply

AI Futures Grants are open to higher education institutes (HEIs), research institutes and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are:

  • driving AI innovation in the UK responsibly
  • planning to hire at least one early to mid-career AI researcher and/or engineer with exceptional promise who will start their job between April 2024 and March 2025
  • looking to enhance their ability to attract international AI talent with exceptional promise
  • willing to develop the AI and leadership skills of those they hire
  • committed to ensuring that international hires settle in the UK

Definitions of HEIs, research rinstitutes and SMEs

HEIs

Those that receive block grants from one of the UK’s higher education funding bodies (Research England, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Scottish Funding Council or Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy).

Research Institutes

Those with a long-term investment by UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) research councils. You can check if you are eligible here.opens www.ukri.org in a new tab

SMEs

Enterprises with less than 250 employees and an annual turnover under €50 million or balance sheet under €43 million.

How to apply

Eligible organisations can read the advert and apply below.

Applications are open from Monday 19 February to Monday 18 March.

More information

Guidance for applicantsopens paas-s3-broker-prod-lon-8db94025-3db3-41df-9a2a-fbb251b24433.s3.amazonaws.com in a new tab (PDF 274 KB)

Forecast number of eligible roles document (to download, fill in and upload when applying via Find a Grant)opens paas-s3-broker-prod-lon-8db94025-3db3-41df-9a2a-fbb251b24433.s3.amazonaws.com in a new tab (Word 38.8 KB)

Contact us

If you have any further questions, please email AIFutures@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

Last updated: