Frontier AI Discovery

The Frontier AI Discovery competition is a funding opportunity delivered by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It provides a share of up to £2.5 million to support feasibility studies that advance the development of frontier artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and foundation models in the UK.

This competition is Phase 1 of a wider multi-phase programme, designed to build and de-risk ambitious AI projects before progressing to large-scale collaborative development. Successful projects will explore technical feasibility, business models and consortium formation, helping prepare proposals for Phase 2 demonstrator projects.

The programme targets novel, world-leading AI capabilities, including innovations in model architecture, training methods and core algorithms. Projects must align with strategic missions such as AI-enabled health and life sciences, advanced materials, national security, or fundamental AI capabilities.

By supporting early-stage feasibility work, the competition aims to accelerate the development of UK-led frontier AI technologies, strengthen collaboration across industry and academia, and lay the groundwork for large-scale AI deployment and commercialisation.