President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have formalised the Technology Prosperity Deal, a bilateral agreement designed to strengthen scientific and technological collaboration between the United States and the United Kingdom. The accord establishes joint initiatives across artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and quantum computing, with the stated aim of accelerating scientific discovery and bolstering both nations’ technological leadership. Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, characterised the deal as furthering American technology leadership and strengthening ties with a key ally, exporting US technology and advancing pro-innovation policies globally. The agreement seeks to deliver benefits in areas including healthcare advancements, reduced energy costs, and enhanced national security.
President Trump Signs Technology Prosperity Deal’s Innovation
The Technology Prosperity Deal prioritises collaboration in three key areas. In artificial intelligence, the agreement strengthens the partnership between the US Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) and the UK AI Security Institute (AISI), focusing on the exchange of best practices in metrology and standards development for AI models, and improved understanding of advanced models. A flagship AI for Science research program will be jointly funded by the US Departments of Energy, Health, and the National Science Foundation, alongside their UK counterparts, with a focus on biotechnology research and precision medicine. This program will specifically concentrate on automated laboratories and the creation of new scientific datasets, with a particular emphasis on cancer and chronic disease research. The deal also addresses civil nuclear energy, aiming to streamline and accelerate licensing processes. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation, and the UK Environment Agency will collaborate to achieve reactor design reviews within two years and site licensing within one year.
United Kingdom Partnership Details
A significant component of the agreement centres on securing a reliable nuclear fuel supply chain. The United Kingdom commits to achieving full independence from Russian nuclear fuel by the end of 2028, aligning with existing US statutory commitments. This commitment ensures a secure and reliable supply of advanced nuclear fuels for both nations. Furthermore, the deal facilitates coordinated research and development in fusion energy, including the application of artificial intelligence to accelerate progress. Collaboration will focus on developing harmonised, responsible, and pro-innovation policies to enable the commercial development of fusion technologies. In the realm of quantum computing, the agreement prioritises the advancement of trusted, interoperable standards for quantum technologies. A joint benchmarking taskforce will be established to assess quantum computing hardware, software, and algorithms, fostering a more secure quantum supply chain and accelerating breakthroughs in sectors including defence, finance, and energy.
The White House Implementation
The implementation of the Technology Prosperity Deal will be overseen through collaborative efforts between US and UK government agencies and research institutions. The agreement establishes specific timelines for key deliverables, such as the two-year target for reactor design reviews and the one-year target for site licensing in the nuclear energy sector. The joint benchmarking taskforce for quantum computing will be responsible for developing and implementing standards for assessing quantum technologies. The AI for Science research program will involve the creation of new scientific datasets and the establishment of automated laboratories, with a focus on cancer and chronic disease research. The commitment to achieving independence from Russian nuclear fuel by 2028 will require coordinated efforts to secure alternative fuel sources and establish a reliable supply chain. The overall aim of the agreement is to foster a long-term partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom, driving innovation and addressing global challenges in areas such as healthcare, energy, and national security.
