Google DeepMind to establish AI lab for material discovery
11 Dec 2025

Google DeepMind has announced plans to open its first research lab dedicated to discovering new materials, such as those used in batteries or semiconductors.

The facility, which will be located in the UK, is part of a wider partnership with the British government.

Under this agreement, Google will customize several of its AI models (including Gemini) for scientists, teachers, and public employees across the country.

DeepMind's new lab: A 1st of its kind
Robotic facility

The upcoming lab will be DeepMind's first "automated" facility, one that leverages robotics to conduct scientific experiments with minimal human intervention.

However, no financial details or staffing information have been disclosed yet.

This partnership with the UK government marks a major win for Google in its efforts to get governments on board with its cloud services and Gemini AI model.

Expansion into material science
Research focus

The UK partnership also highlights DeepMind's plans to further explore material science, one of its key research areas.

The new lab will explore materials that could enhance medical imaging, solar panels, and chips.

Plus, British scientists will get "priority access" to four of DeepMind's scientific models, those for analyzing DNA and predicting weather patterns.

DeepMind's contribution to fusion energy research
UK collaboration

The UK government has also confirmed that Google DeepMind will contribute to research in areas like fusion energy and create tools for UK teachers based on the Gemini model.

Furthering its commitment, DeepMind plans to share its proprietary models and data with the UK AI Security Institute, a government agency established in 2023 for testing and evaluating AI systems.