The UK government has said it will invest £1.1 billion in training over 4000 students in future technologies such as AI, 6G, and quantum computing.

Under the plans, 65 centres will be set up around the UK to offer students doctoral degree-level training in engineering and physical science skills.

The training placements will be spread across the country, including over 350 places for students in Glasgow and around 250 in Bristol.

One centre will be based at Kings College London, where researchers will be trained to deliver personalised surgery using micro-surgical robots and chemical techniques which allow for surgery “without the knife”.

Other centres will specialise in developing new drugs, digital chemistry, and semiconductors.

The government said the investment will give the country a “strategic advantage” in growing the economy and improving lives.

“Building on our reforms to the skills system will require work from each and every one of us – universities, schools, and businesses,” said science and technology secretary Michelle Donelan. “By doubling down on our investments in skills and backing British business, we can lay the foundations for an economy fit for the future - an economy that creates jobs and improves lives for communities up and down the country.”

In February, the UK government launched a new campaign to draw attention to its free bootcamps, which offer digital skills including cybersecurity, cloud computing and software development. It said people possessing these skills can earn salaries exceeding £70,000, over twice the national UK average.

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