£36m DAWN supercomputer upgrade to supercharge UK AI
British science is gearing up for a major leap forward after the government confirmed a £36m investment to dramatically expand the power of one of the country’s most important computing hubs. The funding will increase capacity at the University of Cambridge’s AI facilities by six times, strengthening the UK’s ability to develop next-generation artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies. At the centre of this expansion is the DAWN supercomputer, a system that has already become a cornerstone of national AI research. The upgrade is expected to come online as early as spring 2026, unlocking new possibilities for researchers, start-ups, and public-sector innovators alike. Professor Sir John Aston, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, University of Cambridge, explained: “This investment marks an important milestone for the UK’s AI Research Resource, expanding the power of Cambridge’s DAWN supercomputer and strengthening our national computing ecosystem. “It will give researchers, clinicians and innovators the tools they need to drive breakthroughs that improve public services. “The University of Cambridge is proud to work with industry leaders such as Dell to ensure world-class computing is available to …
