The creator of ChatGPT, OpenAI, announced on Thursday that it plans to establish London as its largest research hub outside the United States, highlighting the UK’s strong technology ecosystem as a prime location for advancing next-generation artificial intelligence systems.
The decision aligns with Britain’s broader ambition to position itself as an “AI superpower,” as governments around the world compete to attract investment from leading AI model developers.
Mark Chen, OpenAI’s chief research officer, said the UK’s deep talent pool, world-class universities, and globally respected scientific institutions provide a competitive edge in a sector increasingly viewed as strategically vital.
UK Technology Minister Liz Kendall described the expansion as a “huge vote of confidence” in the country’s AI ambitions. “It also reinforces the UK’s global leadership as a destination for AI innovation that is both safe and transformative,” she said in a statement.
OpenAI did not disclose specific details about the scale of the expansion, including potential investment figures or job creation numbers. The company currently employs more than 30 staff members in its London office.
The firm, whose European headquarters are based in Dublin, first opened its London office in 2023. Teams there focus on building the software and infrastructure required to develop and deploy its AI models.
