Request for Information: Sovereign Ai R&D Tender - 139751471

Procurement Summary

Country: United Kingdom

Summary: Request for Information: Sovereign Ai R&D Procurement

Deadline: 16 May 2026

Posting Date: 18 Apr 2026

Other Information

Notice Type: Tender

TOT Ref.No.: 139751471

Document Ref. No.:

Competition: ICB

Financier: Self Financed

Purchaser Ownership: Public

Tender Value: Refer Document

CPV Classification

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Purchaser's Detail

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Tender Details

We want to build government procurement into our offer to support AI startups. By acting as an early customer, government can help to validate novel AI capabilities and de-risk investment for the wider market. We know the difference government contracts can make for startups by providing revenue, credibility, and leveraging private investment. The benefits for applicants could include: Government contracts to develop prototype AI capabilities, providing revenue and validation. The opportunity to establish close relationships with government departments and understanding of market demand (such as MOD, DHSC, DSIT, NCSC and others). We want to design our procurement in a way that supports high-potential AI startups that are developing sovereign AI capabilities. If you are developing something which aligns with our Sovereign AI Focus Areas below, then we want to hear from you. The information gathered will help to design the scheme and ensure it works well for companies. We are considering a competitive scheme where companies can apply to win government contracts to develop sovereign AI capabilities and address public-interest challenges. We are considering awarding contracts up to £5 million per project, with a duration of 12 to 24 months, flexible depending on the scope of the project. To be eligible, projects would have to align with one of the five Sovereign AI focus areas. There will also be further challenges set by government departments to develop specific cap...

Documents

 Tender Notice