Insights

The International AI Safety Report 2026 has been released today on 3 February 2026, marking the second iteration of the most comprehensive global assessment of artificial intelligence capabilities, risks, and safety measures.

Read Jocelyn Paulley, Partner at Gowling WLG's guest blog on the essentials of implementing AI in your business.

The FCA has opened applications for the second cohort for their AI Live Testing service which offers firms the opportunity to test AI systems in live market conditions with regulatory support. Applications are open until 2 March 2026.

Barnsley has been named the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town, with plans to roll out AI across public services, skills, healthcare and local business as part of a place-based regeneration approach. Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the initiative aims to demonstrate how AI adoption can improve local services, build skills and support regional growth.

The Westcott Space Hub has officially been opened in Buckinghamshire. Backed by £5.8 million of UK Space Agency funding and £15 million in match funding, this facility will support small and medium-sized businesses, major industry players, academia and others in the local space ecosystem to collaborate.

Catch up on the SPF's Public Protection and Disaster Relief cluster event chaired by Bob Stewart, University of Strathclyde and UK SPF Cluster 2 Chair.

The British Standards Institution explores how cyber incidents highlight weaknesses in interconnected supply chains and what leaders can do next.

techUK is keeping track of the 2026 updates to the AI Opportunities Action Plan. A full summary of all the announcements this month is forthcoming.

Read how Intralink's Stewart Randall identifies frontier tech opportunities in China during the UK PM's trade visit.

Nigel Brokenshire re-elected as chair and Alex Eavis re-elected as vice-chair of the techUK Life Sciences Working Group

This month's Talking 5 guest is Gurdip Sodhi, Local Government Lead at Salesforce

The United Kingdom and China have announced a new services partnership intended to support UK businesses operating in China, including a commitment by Beijing to extend visa-free access for short stays. 

This piece examines how technology is shaping a new era of policing reform, highlighting the role of digital tools in modernising capability and delivery. It sets out the opportunities and considerations for using technology to support effective, accountable policing.

The government is seeking views on the opportunities and challenges associated with secure AI infrastructure, aiming to inform future policy and decision making. The call for views invites input on how infrastructure can support the safe, secure and effective deployment of AI technologies.

techUK’s Life Sciences Working Group is pleased to share its 2026 priorities and work programme – a member driven plan shaped through nominations, consultation and a strategic planning session held at the end of 2025.

A new national centre to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by police forces has been announced, with technology taking a key role in police reform plans.

Ofcom has launched a new consultation exploring the impact that the adoption of artificial intelligence could have on the experience of telecoms customers. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in communications services, the consultation aims to understand how these technologies are being used today, the benefits they may offer to people and businesses, and the risks or challenges that could require regulatory attention. 

Read this guest blog by Michael Green, Managing Director at Databricks, on why investment in training and upskilling is the key to the UK’s AI success.

This piece explores discussions from Davos 2026 on building resilience through nature-based solutions and renewable energy, highlighting key themes and perspectives. It reflects on how these approaches can support long-term sustainability, resilience and economic transition.