United Kingdom: Department for Science, Technology and Innovation closes consultation on AI Growth Lab

On 2 January 2026, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) closes the public consultation regarding the establishment of an AI Growth Lab. The proposed Lab aims to support innovation in AI-enabled products and services by relaxing targeted regulations imposed upon the AI sector within a controlled environment. The initiative responds to concerns that current regulations, designed before AI existed, may unnecessarily assume human involvement and static products. The Lab would enable testing of AI innovations in sectors such as healthcare, planning, and transport. The government is seeking views on the Lab's design, including whether it should be centrally operated or led by sector regulators. Questions also focus on which sectors to prioritise, what regulations could be modified, and which should be permanent "red lines" for safety and rights. Questions also explore effective Lab oversight and whether successful pilots should lead to streamlined, permanent regulatory reforms. There is also consideration of extending this sandbox model to other emerging technologies, such as quantum and clean energy. The received information will guide policy development.