Meta is backing a $1 million initiative aimed at harnessing the UK’s top AI talent to enhance the technology behind public services. The Open Source AI Fellowship, run by the Alan Turing Institute (ATI), seeks to address a common challenge faced by governments: integrating cutting-edge innovation and expertise from the private sector into public sector solutions. The fellowship focuses on open source AI, a critical component for the UK to assert its sovereignty in AI technology and avoid reliance on proprietary systems from foreign companies. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has emphasized the importance of turning the UK into an "AI maker, not an AI taker," and this initiative aligns with that vision. Open source AI models allow the government to develop tailored tools without compromising on security or flexibility. These models have already made substantial contributions to scientific and medical advancements. Now, Meta’s funding will enable a group of AI experts to be embedded in various government departments, where they can tackle significant challenges and innovate in the public interest. Potential projects include developing AI tools for secure language translation in national security contexts, leveraging construction data to expedite the home-building approval process, and enhancing “Humphrey,” a suite of AI tools designed to streamline administrative tasks for civil servants. A key advantage of the fellowship is that all tools developed using open source models will be owned by the government. This ensures that sensitive data remains within governmental control, models can be freely modified to suit specific needs, and there is no dependency on contractual obligations to third-party providers. Additionally, the innovations generated through the program will be open sourced for broader public use, fostering transparency and collaboration. Meta recently collaborated with the Social Market Foundation to publish a report highlighting the potential benefits of adopting open source AI in government digital projects. These benefits include enhanced value for taxpayers, greater strategic independence, improved security auditing, and increased public trust. The fellowship program is a practical step toward realizing these goals. By focusing on open source AI, the UK government aims to reduce costs and boost productivity. The report suggests that this approach could unlock up to £45 billion in productivity gains across the public sector. The fellows will work on diverse applications, such as national security, public health, and urban planning, ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively to deliver immediate and tangible results. The Open Source AI Fellowships are set to commence in January 2026 and will last for 12 months. Applications for the program will open soon. Meta and the ATI are optimistic that the fellowship will demonstrate the immense value of open source AI, both to the UK government and to society at large.