Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming global industries, and the UK is making notable progress towards becoming a leader in responsible AI innovation. At the heart of this effort is Innovate UK's BridgeAI programme, which in its second year is embedding AI into sectors traditionally slower to adopt the technology—such as agriculture, construction, transport and the creative industries.
To date, BridgeAI has supported more than 450 projects, engaging over 3,400 organisations and 9,000 individuals. The programme has directed more than £120 million in grant and co-investment funding towards practical AI adoption. Businesses receive toolkits, strategic frameworks, innovation vouchers, and training to help them integrate AI effectively and responsibly.
BridgeAI’s impact is already visible in real-world applications. AI tools are improving agricultural productivity and dairy output, helping infrastructure teams predict potholes before they form, and enabling logistics and public transport operators to optimise systems in real time.
In early 2025, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced an additional £7 million for over 100 new projects. Delivered through BridgeAI under the Technology Missions Fund, the investment is supporting trials of AI tools tackling issues from food waste to road infrastructure and workplace diversity—demonstrating the programme’s dual focus on productivity and inclusivity.
Alongside funding, BridgeAI is driving AI governance and skills development. More than 1,000 training courses have been offered, complemented by new competency frameworks and ethics tools to support responsible AI use in business.
Industry-led innovation remains central to the programme. Cambridge Kinetics, for example, used BridgeAI backing to integrate AI into its Kinabase platform, improving digital workflows for clients in the UK and internationally. The programme’s collaboration with the Alan Turing Institute is helping to bridge gaps between AI developers and end-users, while support from the Digital Catapult ensures businesses benefit from expert technical guidance and cutting-edge training.
BridgeAI is building a national ecosystem for applied, ethical AI—backed by robust funding, strong partnerships and clear strategic vision. While challenges around access and governance persist, the programme reflects the UK’s commitment to responsible innovation and its readiness to lead in AI’s next era.
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