Speaking at the launch of the tenth London Tech Week, the Prime Minister is set to argue that the UK must harness AI innovation in order to become the best location for tech investment.

According to the UK government, the PM is expected to tell tech leaders:  “We must act – and act quickly – if we want not only to retain our position as one of the world’s tech capitals […] but to go even further, and make this the best country in the world to start, grow and invest in tech businesses.

“That is my goal. And I feel a sense of urgency and responsibility to make sure we seize it.”

Following his announcement that the UK will host a global summit on AI safety this autumn, the PM is also set to stress the UK’s leadership as a democratic AI power.

During his speech, the PM will outline the opportunities AI presents as well as the need to ensure its development remains safe and responsible. This includes bringing together academia, leading tech companies, and Government to deliver the benefits that will improve people’s lives.

Sunak is expected to say: “Already we’ve seen AI help the paralysed to walk; and discover superbug-killing antibiotics – and that’s just the beginning.

“[…] The possibilities are extraordinary. But we must – and we will – do it safely.

“[…] I want to make the UK not just the intellectual home, but the geographical home of global AI safety regulation.”

The European Union is already debating new AI legislation to regulate the emerging technology, focusing on putting protections in place for data collection and biometric monitoring and identification.

Sunak is set to focus on the UK’s more business-friendly tax regime to attract tech investment, which is his main focus to grow the economy.

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Part of this effort is represented by the UK Government’s decision to introduce High Potential Individual, Global Talent, and Scale-up Worker visas, which are intended to attract more tech workers amid a dwindling tech workforce and a drastic skills shortage.

The Prime Minister will continue to host key tech businesses and entrepreneurs at Downing Street throughout London Tech Week, while Government Ministers will promote and discuss how we are supporting the UK’s tech sector with stakeholders at events including panel sessions and speeches.

Demis Hassabis, CEO & CO-Founder, Google DeepMind, said: “AI will play a critical role in shaping the future of our economy and society. I’m looking forward to talking about this with the Prime Minister at London Tech Week.”