Trump, Starmer sign tech prosperity deal to spur AI, nuclear energy and quantum computing

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a joint memorandum of understanding Thursday authorizing about $350 billion in investments across artificial intelligence, civil nuclear energy, and quantum computing. The Technology Prosperity Deal was announced at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, with leaders saying the pact is designed to accelerate tech and energy collaboration while creating jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Officials said the accords would support roughly 15,000 jobs in the United Kingdom and about 2,500 in the United States, and would include the construction of 12 advanced nuclear reactors in northern England. The plan also aims to provide power for as many as 1.5 million homes and to bolster chip and data center exports from both nations.

The agreement envisions joint research programs and a space partnership, with an emphasis on aligning regulatory frameworks and safety standards for AI and related technologies. It also calls for closer cooperation between the United States’ Center for AI Standards and Innovation and the United Kingdom’s AI Security Institute. In nuclear policy, the pact would advance nonproliferation and security efforts while seeking to increase energy independence and resilience. The White House said the UK would move toward full independence from Russian nuclear fuel by the end of 2028.

Trump framed the effort as a balance between deregulation and innovation in AI, quantum computing, fusion, 6G and civil nuclear energy, describing the memorandum as a blueprint to win this new era together and shape it according to shared values. Starmer highlighted the role of major tech investors and said there would be significant private-sector backing from producers and developers that could sustain cutting-edge British jobs for years to come, naming Nvidia, Nscale, OpenAI, Google, Salesforce and others.

The investments are expected to yield cross-border collaboration on chip and data-center exports, with a push to harmonize standards that can accelerate deployment of advanced computing capabilities across the Atlantic. Several analysts cautioned that the long horizon of such large-scale commitments requires careful governance and transparent implementation to avoid displacing existing markets, while underscoring the potential benefits of deepened U.S.-UK tech partnerships. A tech policy researcher at a libertarian think tank commented that firming up international relationships will be critical to American AI leadership, noting that markets, capital and data are essential resources that could be enhanced by open, reciprocal trade rules.

Officials stressed that the agreement would take effect by mid-March 2026, with formal updates on implementation planned annually, beginning in 2026, and an initial review roughly 12 months after the signing date on Sept. 18, 2025. The deal also aims to expand cooperation on AI governance and security, including joint programs to advance trustworthy AI development and responsible deployment practices.

In addition to economic and security objectives, the pact underscores energy security and resilience, combining nuclear development with advances in quantum technologies that could transform sectors such as defense, finance, healthcare and aerospace. The parties emphasized a coordinated approach to export controls, data sharing and infrastructure investment to maximize the mutual benefits of the partnership.

The accord has drawn attention in tech policy circles for its potential to accelerate AI research, broaden quantum computing capabilities, and accelerate the deployment of next-generation nuclear energy infrastructure while addressing nonproliferation and cybersecurity concerns. Supporters say the collaboration could create a robust transatlantic pipeline for talent, capital and cutting-edge technologies, reinforcing the United States and United Kingdom as leading innovators in the global tech economy.

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER 1:

Analysts noted that while the scale of commitments is ambitious, execution will hinge on transparent milestones, predictable regulatory environments and sustained private-sector involvement. They cautioned that the outcome will depend on how effectively standards bodies, industry actors and governments coordinate to balance innovation incentives with safeguards around security, privacy and competition.

As the project moves from framework to implementation, officials said the plan would seek to leverage a broad coalition of technology providers, including chipmakers, cloud providers, software developers and academic researchers, to advance joint initiatives in AI, quantum computing and advanced nuclear technologies. The White House indicated that the collaboration would also support workforce development and training programs designed to equip workers with the skills needed for high-tech jobs in the coming decade.

From a broader strategic perspective, proponents argue that the Technology Prosperity Deal strengthens a shared transatlantic technology policy agenda at a time of rapid innovation and global competition in AI, cybersecurity and space capabilities. The leaders insisted the initiative would be governed by shared values, with rigorous safeguards and a commitment to responsible innovation that protects citizens while expanding opportunities across both nations.

IMAGE PLACEHOLDER 2: