OpenAI is setting up a new research hub in London which will be the AI titan’s largest location outside of San Francisco.

The move cements the firm’s expanding footprint in the UK, with London staff already working on the development of OpenAI technology like GPT-5.2 and Codex.

OpenAI said that workers operating in the hub help drive the development of safer AI models as well as experimenting with applications. Staff will have the opportunity to “own key components” of their research into the firm’s frontier AI model.

“We are excited to establish London as a major research hub for OpenAI, building on the leading work our London team is already doing to support our latest breakthroughs,” Mark Chen, OpenAI’s chief research officer, said.

“The UK brings together world class talent and leading scientific institutions and universities, making it an ideal place to deliver the important research which will ensure our AI is safe, useful and benefits everyone.”

OpenAI’s London office was its first expansion outside of the US, which was established in 2023. The AI firm has continued to strengthen its position in the UK with an accelerator programme, as well as working with the UK government on multiple projects.

Tech secretary Liz Kendall described the news as a “huge vote of confidence” in the UK, giving it a “world-leading position at the cutting edge of AI research.”

She said: “It also reaffirms the UK’s global leadership as the place to pursue AI innovation that is both safe and transformative.

“AI is already offering us better ways to treat disease, tailored support in classrooms, and new ways of harnessing clean affordable energy.

“We are determined to make sure that the people and places that have previously been left behind benefit first and most as this technology develops, and that the AI revolution helps build a Britain that’s healthier, wealthier and fairer.”

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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “London is a global hub for AI innovation and investment, and I am delighted that OpenAI is anchoring its major new research hub here, as we help shape the capital for the next technological wave.

“London is home to world-class talent and renowned institutions and I am committed to ensuring our capital benefits from the huge potential of AI, ensuring that no Londoners are left behind, and building a fairer, more prosperous city for everyone.”