A world-leading centre of excellence dedicated to advancing AI security for UK national security and economic prosperity.
AI represents a transformative opportunity for society. The wide-reaching benefits and gains from AI will only be realised through adoption at scale; confidence and trust in the technology is required and is only gained once security and safety concerns have been addressed.
The Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR) focuses on cutting-edge research, strategic alignment with national objectives and a commitment to social value and inclusivity. Its mission is to mitigate risks to and from AI, drive national resilience in AI skills and position the UK as a global leader in AI security and governance.
A public-private partnership, LASR fosters collaboration, integrating the best minds from academia, industry and government to develop innovative solutions, commercialise research outputs and strengthen international partnerships.
Launched by UK Government in November 2024, LASR comprises world-leading experts from organisations including Plexal, Oxford University, The Alan Turing Institute, Queen’s University Belfast, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and intelligence agencies to boost UK cyber resilience and foster growth.
THE FRONT DOOR FOR INDUSTRY
Plexal will play a fundamental role in convening the nascent AI security ecosystem by driving collaboration between stakeholders from across the global technology landscape to deliver on the LASR mission.
By closing the gap between supply and demand, we aim to accelerate the commercialisation of AI security innovations, bringing novel capabilities to market faster. To do so, we’ll work with startups, large industries, investors and academic institutions to tackle strategic challenges facing government and businesses across the UK.
WHAT WE MEAN BY AI SECURITY
- AI security is all about protecting and safeguarding AI systems, models, infrastructure and data from cyber threats and malicious attacks.
- AI safety is minimising the potential harms to humans, society and the environment, from frontier AI, such as bias and misinformation
LASR is focused on AI security.
APPLY NOW: LASR VALIDATE
LASR Validate is the first programme designed to support innovators to explore the next generation of AI security products.
Our six-week programme will fast-track industry validation of AI security product opportunities across a range of key sectors such as financial services, telecoms, defence and national security.
During LASR Validate, participants will:
- Learn about AI security challenge areas within key sectors
- Be encouraged to collaborate with other SMEs
- Propose a proof of concept (PoC) that will aim to test a new AI security capability that addresses a real-life challenge area
At the end of LASR Validate, participants will present their PoC proposal at a LASR showcase and a selection will be invited to join a follow-on programme that provides the opportunity design a PoC out with a key industry or government partner.
Apply now for your chance to be a part of LASR Validate ahead of Monday 20th January when applications will close.
Collaborate and innovate at the LASR Hub
The LASR Hub, located at Plexal Stratford on the Here East campus at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, is our shared workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of AI security.
As a niche specialist within the broader AI ecosystem, we focus exclusively on advancing AI security without taking equity or profiting from your intellectual property. With a proven track record of success, LASR is dedicated to supporting innovation and delivering measurable impact.
Whether you’re working on cutting-edge AI technologies or tackling the challenges of system security, our Hub provides the ideal environment to connect, create and collaborate.
Key features of the LASR Hub in London
At Plexal, we believe innovation thrives in a collaborative environment. Our first Hub, opening in London, is designed to empower you with the resources, inspiration and community you need to make a real impact in the AI security domain.
- Complimentary use for individuals working at the intersection of AI and security.
- Up to three complimentary passes per organisation that are new to Plexal.
- Equipment to support your work – monitors with docking stations, whiteboards and conferencing setups.
- Flexible working areas designed for both individual focus and group collaboration.
- Opportunity to book the whole room for team days and group meetings.
- A collaborative workspace where you can connect with an exciting community dedicated to advancing the security of AI.
Accessing the LASR Hub
The LASR Hub is a free resource for individuals and teams with expertise and interest in AI security.
Signing up is easy – complete our sign-up form to let us know more about you and our team will reach out shortly to confirm your space.
ENGAGE WITH US
Through ecosystem building, market consultation, innovation programmes and events, we’re convening a community of interest around AI security.
Register below to stay up to date on announcements and opportunities.
A WORLD-LEADING PARTNERSHIP
The LASR partnership combines the best minds from government, academia and industry.
- FCDO
- DSIT
- GCHQ
- National Cyber Security Centre
- UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
- The Alan Turing Institute
- AI Safety Institute
- University of Oxford
- Queen’s University Belfast