Capital, Clusters ... Confidence? UK AI Heads Into 2026

As one of our presenters reflects on an enormous life change, we discuss:- Two chunky funding rounds for UK AI startups hint at a more assertive role for the British Business Bank.- The UK Research Institute announces plans to shower £12bn of investment over strategic sectors — including AI and video games — over the next four years. But should the government be in the business of picking national champions?- As DeepMind broadens its partnership with the UK government, might there be lessons for other foreign-owned, UK-based tech companies?- With a new survey showing 30% of NHS GPs are now using gen AI in their clinical work despite a lack of comprehensive regulation, we ask: is this reckless? Or actually more ethical?- To wrap up the year, we laugh in the face of naysayers and outline why, just maybe, 2026 could be a banner year for UK AI.We'll be back in 2026. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everyone!