UK launches an AI biosecurity lab with funding from OpenAI and Anthropic

The UK government announced on 24 October that it is establishing an AI Biosecurity Lab (AIBL), which it described as “the world’s first dedicated AI biosecurity organisation”. It will be an independent non-profit, modelled in its autonomy on the AI Security Institute, and is part of a National AI Biosecurity Initiative alongside the UK Health Security Agency, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

The funding has two parts. The government is putting in £100 million. OpenAI will provide £100 million in compute and model credits and trusted access to its most capable relevant models through its Rosalind Biodefense programme, and Anthropic up to £100 million in model credits, trusted model access and technical support. The company contributions are credits and access rather than cash. Google DeepMind scientists will partner on research and “look to provide” trusted access to Gemini and specialised science models, and the London-based Basecamp Research will provide access to its biology models.

The lab’s stated initial focus is on two capabilities: earlier detection of emerging biological threats, and faster development of vaccines, treatments and other countermeasures. The release also says its research should address biological risks “enabled by advances in AI”. A scientific advisory committee is to be named later, and the government said it intends the lab to draw on philanthropic as well as public funding. It will also work with the medicines regulator on preparing for health emergencies and on regulating AI-designed medicines.

The announcement was made with a wider package from Chancellor John Healey, released the same day ahead of the Budget. It puts the biosecurity initiative at £165 million (£100 million for the lab and £65 million for biosurveillance and countermeasures) and adds £120 million for the AI Security Institute and £60 million for a National Cyber Shield. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan called the lab “a major new global institution”. The release says the package will be formally announced next week as part of the Budget, so the figures are pre-Budget announcements.

The announcements did not say who will run the lab, where it will sit, or when it will open.