A new UK government pilot scheme is set to launch next year to give organisations the opportunity to demonstrate that their new AI and digital innovations meet regulatory requirements so they can quickly bring them to market.

The new AI and Digital Hub will see a number of regulators develop a multi-agency advice service providing tailored support to businesses so they can meet requirements across various sectors while safely innovating – including through innovative technologies such as AI.

The service will be run by members of the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF), made up of the Information Commissioner’s Office, Ofcom, the Competition and Markets Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority, and known as DRCF AI and Digital Hub.

Backed with over £2m in UK government funding, the service is intended to make it easier for businesses to get the help they need by bringing together the different regulators involved in the oversight of cross-cutting AI and digital technologies.

In turn, businesses will be set to take their new innovations to market responsibly and more quickly, helping to grow the UK’s economy.

“Digital technology and artificial intelligence are rapidly evolving, and regulation must keep pace – but we don’t want it to be at the expense of stifling the launch of new innovations that can improve our everyday lives,” technology secretary Michelle Donelan said.

“While safety is at the heart of our approach to regulation here in the UK, this new service will help businesses navigate the process of making sure they are compliant – supporting safe and responsible innovation.

“We are a nation that backs businesses both big and small, and we want to make sure that as they can quickly get to grips with rules and regulations around emerging technology.”

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With digital technologies such as AI needing increasingly to demonstrate compliance with a range of regulatory regimes, there is a growing need for joined-up advice across the regulatory landscape. This pilot scheme aims to meet business demands for coordinated support and help innovators navigate regulations, so they can spend more time developing cutting edge new products.

The trial is expected to last around a year, and will assess industry take up, service feasibility and how innovators are interacting with it.

Innovators and businesses requiring advice will be invited to apply in due course with the DRCF expected to run a competition for innovators to outline where they need support from regulators to ensure innovative new technologies comply with cross-cutting regulatory regimes.