Google DeepMind will establish its first automated laboratory in the UK.

On Wednesday local time, DeepMind, Google’s AI research company, announced a deepened collaboration with the British government.

Specifically, the company will establish its first automated laboratory in the UK in 2026, focusing on materials science research. The goal is to significantly reduce the time required to discover new materials—such as those for batteries or semiconductors. This initiative is part of the company’s broader effort to extend the application of artificial intelligence (AI) into more scientific fields.

According to the agreement, DeepMind stated that it will tailor several AI models, including Gemini, for scientists, teachers, and public officials in the UK.

DeepMind describes the lab as its first “automated” facility—a site where robotic systems conduct scientific experiments, minimizing human intervention to the greatest extent possible. The company did not provide any financial details, nor did it disclose how many people will be working there.

This collaboration with the UK represents a significant victory for Google as it pushes governments around the world to adopt its cloud services and Gemini AI model. In this field, Google’s competitors include Microsoft and OpenAI.

Meanwhile, this also indicates that DeepMind plans to further deepen its involvement in the field of materials science—a key research area for the company. Currently, several emerging startups—including some founded by former DeepMind engineers—are already exploring the potential of advanced AI algorithms to discover new materials. These companies believe that this technology can significantly reduce R&D costs and shorten development cycles.

In its new laboratory, DeepMind says it will research materials that can improve medical imaging, solar panels, and chips. Additionally, the company stated that it will grant British scientists “priority access” to its four scientific models—including models for analyzing DNA and predicting weather.

“Discovering new materials is one of the most important pursuits in the scientific field,” wrote Demis Hassabis, head of DeepMind, in a blog post co-authored with other executives.

In another statement, the British government said that the company will contribute to research in areas such as fusion energy and will develop Gemini-based tools for British teachers.

In addition, DeepMind announced that it will begin sharing its proprietary models and data with the UK AI Security Institute. The UK AI Security Institute is a government agency established in 2023, aimed at testing and evaluating AI systems.

They will focus on fundamental security research, with key research areas including monitoring AI inference processes and exploring the potential impact of AI on economic systems.

In September of this year, Google announced plans to invest £5 billion (US$6.7 billion) in the UK over the next two years in data centers and operations—though this represents only a small fraction of the company’s global spending.