Over $40 Billion in AI Investments Pour Into the UK: Microsoft, Nvidia and Tech Giants Accelerate Expansion

LONDON – Global technology giants including Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, OpenAI, and Salesforce have announced plans to invest more than $40 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) projects across the United Kingdom. The wave of commitments positions Britain as a rising hub for AI innovation in Europe.

Microsoft Leads with the UK’s Largest AI Supercomputer

Microsoft revealed a $30 billion investment by 2028, allocating $15.5 billion for infrastructure expansion and $15.1 billion for operations. The plan includes building the UK’s largest AI supercomputer equipped with over 23,000 advanced GPUs, in partnership with British cloud computing firm Nscale.

Microsoft President Brad Smith said the UK’s regulatory environment has improved significantly:
“Just a few years ago, such large-scale investments would have been inconceivable. But today, both the market demand and the government’s approach make it possible.”

Nvidia and Google Step Up Their Commitments

Nvidia announced a $15 billion (£11 billion) investment, highlighted by the deployment of 120,000 Blackwell GPUs — the largest such rollout in Europe to date. “This will make the UK an AI maker, not just an AI taker,” said David Hogan, Nvidia’s Vice President of Enterprise Sales for Europe.

Meanwhile, Google pledged $6.8 billion (£5 billion) to expand AI operations, including building a new data center in Waltham Cross, just outside London. The facility is expected to create 8,250 jobs annually and power services such as Google Cloud, Workspace, Search, and Maps.

OpenAI and Salesforce Strengthen UK Presence

OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, unveiled “Stargate U.K.”, a local version of its global AI joint venture with SoftBank and Oracle. Initially, the company will deploy 8,000 GPUs, with the option to scale up to 31,000 over time. The first major site is planned for Cobalt Park in Newcastle.

Salesforce increased its UK investment commitment to $6 billion, up from $4 billion pledged in 2023. “We are doubling down on our long-standing commitment to the UK,” said CEO Marc Benioff.

U.S.-UK Technology Partnership in Focus

The investment announcements coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain. During the trip, Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to sign a new deal fostering cooperation in AI, quantum computing, and nuclear technology.

In addition, U.S.-based CoreWeave pledged another £1.5 billion, raising its total UK investment to £2.5 billion, focused on boosting AI data center capacity.

Analysts say this influx of funding could solidify the UK’s position as Europe’s leading AI hub while strengthening transatlantic ties in advanced technologies.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are tech giants investing heavily in AI in the UK?
The UK has created a more favorable regulatory environment and is actively promoting international cooperation in technology. This attracts global firms seeking a strong base for AI growth.

2. What will Microsoft’s $30 billion investment achieve?
Microsoft plans to build the largest AI supercomputer in the UK, powered by more than 23,000 GPUs, while also expanding infrastructure and operational capacity.

3. What role does Nvidia play in the UK’s AI strategy?
Nvidia will deploy 120,000 Blackwell GPUs, marking its largest-ever European rollout. This is a key step toward making the UK a producer of AI technologies.

4. How will Google’s investment benefit the UK economy?
Google will invest £5 billion in a new data center at Waltham Cross, projected to create 8,250 jobs annually and support the growing demand for AI-powered services.

5. What commitments are OpenAI and Salesforce making?
OpenAI is launching Stargate U.K. with up to 31,000 GPUs planned, while Salesforce is boosting its total UK investment to $6 billion, signaling long-term commitment.

6. What are the broader benefits of these AI investments for the UK?
These multi-billion-dollar commitments will create jobs, drive innovation, strengthen the UK’s role as a European AI hub, and deepen U.S.-UK technology collaboration.