OpenAI to Establish London as Its Largest Research Hub Outside the United States

OpenAI has announced plans to make London its largest research hub outside the United States, marking a significant boost for the UK’s ambitions to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence.

The company behind ChatGPT said it would expand its research presence in the capital, citing Britain’s strong technology ecosystem, academic excellence and scientific reputation as key reasons for the move. The decision reinforces growing competition among governments to attract advanced AI research and investment from major model developers.

OpenAI first opened a London office in 2023, establishing its initial international base in the city. Since then, its local team has grown to more than 30 employees working on software engineering, infrastructure and research linked to developing and operating large AI models. The new expansion signals a deeper commitment to scaling those efforts.

While specific details on the size of the investment or the number of additional jobs have not yet been disclosed, the announcement suggests that London will become central to OpenAI’s long term research strategy outside its US headquarters. The company’s European headquarters will remain in Dublin, but the focus on London highlights the city’s importance within the wider AI landscape.

OpenAI’s research chief pointed to the UK’s concentration of leading universities and globally recognised scientific institutions as a strategic advantage. London is home to top research centres and has a growing pool of AI talent drawn from academia, startups and established technology firms. The broader ecosystem includes collaboration between industry and universities such as Imperial College London, University College London and other institutions that contribute heavily to machine learning research.

The expansion aligns with the UK government’s stated ambition to become an AI superpower. Ministers have consistently promoted Britain as a destination for responsible and cutting edge AI development, emphasising both innovation and regulatory oversight. The government has sought to balance rapid technological growth with frameworks designed to ensure safety and public trust.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described the move as a strong endorsement of the UK’s AI strategy, highlighting London’s role as a global innovation hub. The government has introduced initiatives aimed at boosting compute capacity, attracting international talent and supporting AI startups through funding and policy support.

London’s appeal also reflects its position as a financial and regulatory centre, offering access to venture capital, global markets and policymakers. For OpenAI, expanding in the UK may provide opportunities to collaborate more closely with European partners while diversifying its research footprint.

The announcement comes amid intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence, with the United States, China and the European Union investing heavily in AI infrastructure and talent. By expanding its London operations, OpenAI signals that the UK will play a larger role in shaping the next phase of AI research and development.