Artificial intelligence funding in first half surpasses 2018 record

Investment in artificial intelligence (AI) reached an all-time high in the first six months of 2019, as it was revealed that a Glasgow brain tumour detection firm will feature in the UK's first AI scale-up programme. AI funding for UK firms reached more than $1 billion (£810 million) in the first half, already surpassing 2018's 12-month total, according to entrepreneur network Tech Nation. It comes as the entrepreneur network unveiled the 29 firms accepted onto the UK's inaugural applied AI growth programme. The cohort includes Glasgow-based ClinSpec DX, which uses AI to provide cost-effective blood tests for the early detection of brain tumours. The UK is currently third globally for raising investment in AI, behind China and the US, and has the second-highest number of AI companies in operation.