Openai Establishes London As Major Ai Research Hub

On February 26, 2026, OpenAI announced plans to establish London as its largest research hub outside the United States, a significant move that aligns with the UK’s aspirations to become an 'AI superpower.' Mark Chen, OpenAI’s research chief, emphasized the UK's advantages, stating that the country's 'mix of talent, leading universities and globally respected scientific institutions' positions it well for AI development. Technology Minister Liz Kendall hailed the expansion as a 'huge vote of confidence' in the UK’s capability to lead in AI innovation, which she described as 'both safe and transformative.' Although OpenAI did not disclose specific investment figures or job numbers, the company currently employs over 30 people in London, having opened its first international office there in 2023, focusing on software and infrastructure for AI models (Business Recorder).