OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, announced on Thursday that it is making London its largest research center outside the United States. The move is a significant win for the United Kingdom, which has been working hard to establish itself as a global “AI superpower.”
The company believes Britain’s thriving technology scene makes it the perfect place to invest in new artificial intelligence systems. OpenAI’s research chief, Mark Chen, specifically pointed to the country’s deep pool of talent, world-class universities, and respected scientific institutions as major draws. He noted that this unique combination gives the UK an advantage in a field that governments around the world see as strategically vital.
UK technology minister Liz Kendall celebrated the news, calling OpenAI’s expansion a “huge vote of confidence” in the country. She added that it “reaffirms the UK’s global leadership as the place to pursue AI innovation that is both safe and transformative.”
While OpenAI didn’t release specific details about the size of the investment or how many jobs it will create, the announcement signals a major commitment to the region. The company currently has just over 30 employees in its London office.
OpenAI first planted its flag in London in 2023, making it the company’s first international office. That team has been focused on building the software and hardware needed to develop and run its AI models. While the company’s official European headquarters is in Dublin, this expansion solidifies London as a central hub for its most critical research and development efforts.
