FX.co ★ What countries are pouring billions into artificial intelligence

United States

The US remains the clear leader in artificial intelligence, with investments this year estimated at around $471 billion—nearly 63% of global AI spending. At the heart of its strategy are government initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act, which encourage semiconductor manufacturing and support building an innovative ecosystem. Major corporations, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, are playing a leading role in advancing generative AI, machine learning, and natural language processing.

China

China holds its position as the second-largest AI investor, allocating $119.3 billion to AI development this year. The country is actively building a support infrastructure, having established a National AI Investment Fund with an initial capital of $8.2 billion and a venture capital fund aiming to attract over $138 billion over the next 20 years. Leading companies such as Alibaba and Baidu are focusing on sectors like healthcare, autonomous transportation, and smart manufacturing—reflecting China’s strategic goal to become the global AI leader by 2030.

United Kingdom

The UK has committed $28.2 billion to AI development this year, reinforcing its status as Europe’s AI hub. A key milestone was the allocation of £100 million to the Alan Turing Institute to boost data-driven research and innovation, as well as the establishment of the AI Safety Institute to assess the safety and reliability of cutting-edge AI systems. Complementing this is a 50-point action plan aimed at integrating AI into business and government, which could add up to £47 billion to the economy annually.

Canada

Since the beginning of the year, Canada has invested $15.3 billion into developing artificial intelligence under its Sovereign AI Compute strategy. The federal government has earmarked up to $2 billion for infrastructure modernization, including a $300 million AI Compute Access Fund to support small and medium-sized businesses. An additional $705 million has been set aside to build a national supercomputer designed to enhance the country’s research capabilities. These initiatives reflect Canada’s ambition to cement its position in the global AI space and grow its domestic innovation ecosystem.

Israel

Israel has invested $15 billion in AI development this year, launching the second phase of its National AI Program with a budget of 500 million shekels (approximately $130 million) through 2027. The initiative aims to integrate AI into public services, advance research, and train specialists. Major global tech companies, including Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple, have established R&D centers in the country, boosting national expertise. Special focus is placed on defense technologies and cybersecurity, areas where Israel is already regarded as a global leader.