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ARIA spends £50 million on US tech, sparks UK talent concerns

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

ARIA allocated £50 million of UK taxpayer money to U.S. tech and venture-capital groups, giving £23 million to nine companies and £29.4 million to three venture-capital organisations.
Science committee chair Chi Onwurah warned the spending could divert funds from UK talent, noting the West Midlands gets 0.8 % of ARIA’s allocations.
Professor Cecilia Rikap said the grants expand U.S. tech power and ARIA says its model will return benefits to Britain, mechanisms are unclear.

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Story summary

ARIA allocated £50 million of UK taxpayer money to U.S. tech and venture-capital groups, giving £23 million to nine companies and £29.4 million to three venture-capital organisations.
Science committee chair Chi Onwurah warned the spending could divert funds from UK talent, noting the West Midlands gets 0.8 % of ARIA’s allocations.
Professor Cecilia Rikap said the grants expand U.S. tech power and ARIA says its model will return benefits to Britain, mechanisms are unclear.