Join the AI Engineering Lab and Help Shape the Future of Digital Government
The UK Government has identified 2026 as a pivotal year for digital transformation within the public sector, as artificial intelligence (AI) is anticipated to take on a more significant role in the design, construction, and delivery of government services.
A cornerstone of this transformation is the AI Engineering Lab, a new initiative spearheaded by the Engineering Excellence team within the Government Digital Service (b>GDS).
Focus and Objectives of the AI Engineering Lab
The AI Engineering Lab is dedicated to one clear objective: to assist public sector software teams in adopting AI in a practical, responsible, and effective manner. By providing access to leading AI tools coupled with hands-on support, training, and evaluation, the Lab aims to integrate AI into everyday engineering practices while ensuring it is utilized where it can deliver genuine value.
This initiative builds on the success of the AI Coding Assistant (b>AICA) trial conducted in 2025, which demonstrated the potential of AI tools to enhance developer productivity, accelerate project delivery, and minimize repetitive tasks. The AI Engineering Lab seeks to extend these findings by promoting sustained AI adoption rather than temporary experimentation.
A Holistic Approach to AI Enablement
Rather than concentrating solely on technology, the AI Engineering Lab takes a comprehensive view of AI enablement. This encompasses how tools are introduced, how teams are trained for effective usage, and how their impacts are measured over time. The Lab recognizes that meaningful change arises from combining effective tools with the right skills, guidance, and an appropriate culture.
Scope of the AI Engineering Lab’s Work
Led by the Engineering Excellence team in GDS, the AI Engineering Lab is designed to support software engineering teams across all public sector organizations. Its efforts cover the entire software development lifecycle, from discovery and design to building, testing, and operating.
The Lab has three primary aims:
- Integrating AI tooling into daily engineering workflows
- Upskilling digital and data professionals to confidently and responsibly utilize AI
- Monitoring and evaluating instances where AI genuinely enhances digital service delivery
The Lab is user-led, meaning feedback from teams utilizing the tools will directly shape the program’s evolution, including decisions on which tools to expand and identifying where AI is effective or inappropriate.
Initiatives in Early 2026
Beginning in early 2026, the AI Engineering Lab will commence rolling out time-limited licenses for a selection of leading AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, Amazon Q or Kiro, and Claude. Additional tools are expected to be introduced subsequently.
Licenses will generally be available for up to six months and will be accompanied by support for technical setup, integration, and training. Although these tools will be accessible to all public sector departments and organizations, the number of licenses is limited, encouraging early engagement.
In addition to providing tools, the AI Engineering Lab will organize hackathons, community meet-ups, and learning events designed to be inclusive and accessible. These sessions welcome anyone interested in how AI can enhance software engineering, regardless of their experience level.
Getting Involved with the AI Engineering Lab
There are several ways to participate in the AI Engineering Lab. Teams can apply for licenses to AI coding assistants, access structured training and guidance, and provide feedback or real-world examples of tool usage. Attendance at events and contribution to the growing community of practice is highly encouraged.
By engaging with the AI Engineering Lab, public sector professionals can have a direct impact on how AI is adopted across government, ensuring it supports high-quality, trustworthy digital services.
To get involved, contact: gdsengineeringexcellence@dsit.gov.uk.
