Meta unveils partnership program for AI specialists and UK policymakers
Meta has announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening the UK government’s use of artificial intelligence. In collaboration with the UK government and the Alan Turing Institute , the tech giant has launched the Open Source AI Fellowship , backed by a $1 million investment.
The program is designed to place top UK-based AI researchers and engineers directly within government departments, where they’ll work on solving real-world challenges — from improving public services to increasing productivity across agencies.
Real-World Applications for AI in Government
Fellows selected for the program will tackle a range of high-impact projects. These include developing AI tools to assist with language translation in national security contexts , speeding up housing approval processes using planning data , and enhancing existing government AI systems like the recently launched “Humphrey” toolset .
“Humphrey” was introduced earlier this year to help civil servants take meeting notes, analyze responses from public consultations, and automate repetitive tasks — showing how AI can make administrative work more efficient.
Another key area of focus will be building AI systems that function completely offline , helping NHS staff and emergency responders during situations like power outages or network failures — where internet access may not be available.
Emphasis on Open Source AI Models
A major requirement of the fellowship is that all AI models used must be open source . Unlike proprietary “closed” models, open source AI makes the underlying code publicly accessible, allowing developers to study, modify, and customize it as needed.
According to the Social Market Foundation (SMF) , a British think tank that co-authored a recent report with Meta, open source AI offers greater transparency, flexibility, and cost-efficiency — especially for government use.
In a statement, Meta emphasized that all tools developed through the program will remain government-owned , ensuring sensitive data stays secure and that officials retain full control over the technology. This also avoids long-term dependency on third-party vendors tied to closed AI platforms.
Potential for Major Productivity Gains
As governments struggle to keep pace with rapid technological change, many still rely on outdated workflows and lack the technical expertise to fully leverage modern tools. The Open Source AI Fellowship aims to close that gap.
The UK estimates that widespread adoption of open source AI could unlock up to £45 billion ($60.6 billion) in productivity gains across the public sector — while also saving taxpayer money in the long run.
Program Details and Timeline
The 12-month fellowship is set to begin in January 2026 and will be managed by the Alan Turing Institute , the UK’s national institute for data science and AI research.
Applications will open to eligible candidates starting next week , offering a rare opportunity for AI experts to contribute directly to shaping the future of public services in the UK.
