The UK government has officially launched the second round of the Manchester Prize, an initiative aimed at promoting artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that will facilitate the transition to net zero energy. With a substantial prize fund of £2 million (equivalent to approximately US$2.5 million), the competition will award ten promising AI projects with £100,000 each, while the most innovative solution will secure a grand prize of £1 million.
This round of the competition is particularly focused on technological advancements capable of revolutionising energy systems, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development. The previous round saw various finalists, including significant contributions from the University of Warwick and the University of Birmingham, with the winner set to be announced in April.
Paul Monks, chief scientific adviser at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, “We need an ambitious approach to using artificial intelligence across the development, engineering, and operation of our energy systems, and so I am pleased to see the Manchester Prize recognising that with its dedicated new round on decarbonisation.”
For participants in the second round, the government is looking for solutions that exhibit substantial technical innovation and can be scaled to support widespread adoption by 2030. The Department for Science and Innovation and Technology (DSIT) emphasises that the submissions must demonstrate efficacy in accelerating clean energy adoption within the UK, all while maintaining a low-cost and energy-efficient approach.
Key areas of interest for the prize include predictive technologies, automated systems management, and AI applications that enable the discovery of new materials and designs for renewable energy systems. The remit encompasses solar and wind energy as well as battery storage infrastructure, with a specific call for innovations that present “advances in technical capabilities,” especially concerning physics-based AI and enhanced data efficiency.
The drive for AI innovation aligns with the broader governmental focus this year, which has seen Innovate UK allocate £32 million for nearly 100 AI projects across various industries. Additionally, a comprehensive £20.4 billion research and development funding package includes strategic reviews of transformative technologies and their growth potential, particularly in AI.
The deadline for entries for the second round of the Manchester Prize is set for 17 January, providing a crucial timeframe for innovators to present their solutions aimed at the UK’s environmental objectives.
Source: Noah Wire Services