Carl Hunter OBE - Mathematical Foundations of AI Conference 2026

Carl Hunter OBE | Sovereign AI: Science, Industry and National Strategy Why should Britain develop its own artificial intelligence capabilities, and what would it take to achieve genuine technological independence? Carl Hunter OBE, Director-General of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention and Chairman of Coltraco Ultrasonics, examines the strategic importance of sovereign AI and the relationship between scientific research, industrial capability and national security. Drawing on his experience in advanced manufacturing and international trade, Hunter considers how cooperation between government, universities and industry can help Britain develop and retain critical technological capabilities. He explores why artificial intelligence is not simply a commercial or technical challenge, but a question of national resilience, economic productivity and public trust, and why mathematical research must connect with the practical needs of industry and government. This talk was recorded at the Mathematical Foundations of AI Conference 2026, organised by the Erlangen AI Hub at the University of Oxford, 1–3 September 2026. Find out more: https://erlangenhub.ox.ac.uk/ #ArtificialIntelligence #SovereignAI #NationalSecurity #ErlangenAIHub