Ministers commit to £86bn for ‘breakthrough’ UK science and tech R&D

Mayors welcome 500m set aside for regional authorities to target investment locally

New drug treatments, longer-lasting batteries and developing artificial intelligence are among research projects that will receive funding as part of an 86bn government investment into science and technology.

Ministers have announced a 22.5bn a year commitment in research and development (R&D) over the next four years, including up to 500m for regional authorities to target the investment locally.