Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what is the current timetable for (a) site selection, (b) contract award, (c) Phase 1 operation and (d) Phase 2 operation of the heterogeneous AI supercomputer; and which sites have submitted expressions of interest.

We are progressing plans for a heterogeneous AI supercomputer to expand UK public AI compute capacity and introduce novel hardware supporting a range of AI workloads. Subject to ongoing procurement processes, Phase 1 is expected to be operational in 2028 and Phase 2 financial year 2029-30.

An Expression of Interest for potential host sites launched in June 2026. The formal selection process will commence shortly. Further detail on grant or associated funding arrangements will be published when the formal competition opens. All potential applicants will receive information at the same time, ensuring the integrity of the competition process.