UK Govt Allocates £82.6 Mn to Boost AI in Cancer Research

The total funding includes £37.9 million from the government's Research Ventures Catalyst (RVC) program and an additional £44.7 million in co-investment from private and institutional sources, bringing the total to £82.6 million.

The UK government has announced a significant investment of £82.6 million to support innovative research projects using artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle cancer and accelerate drug discovery.

This funding aims to harness AI's transformative potential in healthcare, focusing on faster diagnostics, improved treatment options, and enhancing the UK’s position as a global leader in AI-driven medical research.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, particularly in cancer research and drug development.

"This new funding is another step to unlock the enormous potential of AI for cancer research and drug discovery – ensuring more patients like me experience the highest quality care," Streeting stated.

"AI will help us speed up diagnoses, cut waiting times for patients, and free up staff as we deliver our Plan for Change and shift the NHS from analogue to digital."

The total funding includes £37.9 million from the government's Research Ventures Catalyst (RVC) program and an additional £44.7 million in co-investment from private and institutional sources, bringing the total to £82.6 million.

The RVC program is designed to support pioneering AI projects leveraging the NHS’s extensive health data to advance cancer research, drug discovery, and more.

Key Projects Receiving Funding

Among the funded initiatives is PharosAI, which has been allocated £18.9 million from the government, complemented by £24.7 million in co-investment.

This joint venture brings together King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and Barts Health NHS Trust.

PharosAI will integrate decades of NHS and biobank data into a unified, secure AI platform, drawing from resources such as the KHP Cancer Biobank and the Breast Cancer Now Biobank.

By consolidating these data sources, PharosAI aims to accelerate the development of next-generation AI models for cancer diagnostics and treatment.

These models are expected to deliver groundbreaking advancements in the early detection and personalized treatment of cancer, transforming patient outcomes.

Another recipient of the RVC funding is Bind Research, which will receive £12.9 million from the government, matched by an equal amount in co-investment.

Bind Research focuses on using AI to target previously "undruggable" proteins—disordered proteins that play critical roles in various diseases but have traditionally been difficult to target with conventional drugs.

This research could unlock new treatment pathways for conditions once considered untreatable, offering hope for patients with diseases that have limited therapeutic options.

Driving AI Innovation for Global Impact

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the broader implications of the funding, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering AI innovation.

"We’ve already set out a bold new blueprint for AI, which will help to spark a decade of national renewal. Key to that plan is supporting our expert researchers and businesses with the support they need to drive forward their game-changing innovations," Kyle said.

He further noted that the funding will not only advance domestic healthcare but also position the UK as a leader in AI on the global stage.

"Today, we open new avenues for them to do exactly that—building bridges with our international partners so the entire global community can share in the boundless opportunities of AI-powered progress and backing new innovative companies applying AI to tackle real-world challenges."

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