This initiative marks a major step in celebrating and strengthening how the UK and France are united by AI, and will bring together government leaders, business pioneers and tech innovators. The aim? To showcase the best of Britain’s AI ecosystem, accelerate AI-driven opportunities, drive investment and shape the future of AI collaboration between the two nations.
AI as an Engine for Economic Growth
The UK Government has put AI at the heart of its economic vision, with the AI Opportunities Action Plan, launched by the Prime Minister in January 2025, positioning AI as a key driver of prosperity. This event, featuring high-impact discussions and networking opportunities, seeks to forge strategic partnerships that will fuel innovation and business growth across the Channel.
Bridging Academia, Business and Innovation
Kicking off with thematic roundtables, the event will unite researchers, academics and business leaders to explore pivotal topics in target sectors: AI foundational models, AI for sustainability, AI for finance, AI for life sciences and AI for telecoms. These discussions will bridge theory and practice, ensuring that AI breakthroughs translate into real-world applications.
AI-Powered Keynotes and Cutting-Edge Tech
This evening will put technology at the forefront with an avant-garde opening address in the form of an on screen AI avatar developed by British AI Unicorn Synthesia, one of a number of companies demonstrating their cutting-edge technologies at the Embassy on the night.
On the back of Arthur Mensch’s commitment to expanding Mistral AI’s presence in the UK in 2025, there will be a fireside chat with Audrey Herblin-Stoop, Head of Global Public Affairs at Mistral AI and Clare Barclay, Chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council that will set the scene for AI adoption and business collaboration.
With companies like Mistral AI expanding in the UK, the appetite for Franco-British AI partnerships has never been greater.
Exclusive Networking at the Ambassador’s Residence
The event culminates in an evening reception at the Ambassador’s Residence, where AI visionaries, policymakers and investors will forge deeper connections. Beyond networking, this reception will spotlight the UK’s dynamic AI ecosystem, positioning it as a prime destination for investment and innovation.
French Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz’s remarks as she announced the objectives for the AI Summit in Paris were clear “This Summit is a chance for companies to showcase their best work. The best way to support them? Contracts.” This business-orientated spirit is in the DNA of this event with the presence of leading UK companies including Synthesia, Hypervsn, Darktrace, Oxford Nanopore Technologies and more.
UK startups showcasing groundbreaking advancements, reinforcing the UK’s status as an AI powerhouse.
UK-France Collaboration: A Global Imperative
The message is clear: the UK is committed to AI-driven growth, and UK-France collaboration is essential to unlocking AI’s full potential. With the UK AI sector valued at $92B in 2024—making it the world’s third-largest AI market—this partnership offers immense opportunities for businesses and investors alike.
With recent Franco-British AI developments, including Mistral’s meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this year, the momentum for AI expansion is undeniable. Notable commitments that highlight the UK’s attractiveness include:
- Mistral AI – Expanding its London office, doubling its UK workforce by the end of 2025.
- Vantage Data Centres – Investing more than £12B in UK data centres, creating 11,500+ jobs.
- Kyndryl – Creating 1,000 AI-related jobs in Liverpool over three years.
- Nscale – Investing $2.5B in UK data infrastructure, including the largest sovereign AI data centre in Loughton, Essex.
The Future of AI: UK and France Leading the Charge
The UK and France are natural partners in the global AI revolution. With the UK’s cutting-edge research, thriving tech ecosystem and investor-friendly climate, alongside France’s growing AI infrastructure, this collaborative ecosystem will drive innovation, attract investment and cement the UK and France as global AI leaders.
‘AI for Growth’ is just the beginning.
