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.

Two Manchester based companies are joining the UK's first Applied AI growth programme, as it is also reveals that UK AI investment is reaching record highs. Investment in AI technology grew almost six-fold from 2014 to 2018, with UK AI scaleups raising almost double that of France, Germany and the rest of Europe combined last year. In the first 6 months of this year, AI funding in the UK has already surpassed 2018's figures. As a result, the UK is currently third in the world for raising investment in AI, behind only China and the U.S. respectively for the number of AI companies in operation during 2019. Dream Agility and DigitalBridge have been identified as one of the UK's future leading AI companies. Elizabeth Clark, CEO, Dream Agility, Manchester commented: "We're delighted to have made it onto the Applied AI scheme.