Artificial intelligence is emerging as a key driver of environmental reform in the UK, particularly in carbon-intensive industries such as steel and cement. This year’s £2 million Manchester Prize has shortlisted ten AI-led projects designed to cut emissions in these sectors, underscoring the growing importance of clean energy innovation.
Now in its second year, the prize rewards technologies that deliver economic benefits while advancing social equity. Among the finalists are AI tools that improve furnace efficiency in steelmaking and optimise process control in cement production—two of the most energy-demanding processes globally.
Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and run by Challenge Works, part of the Nesta group, the Manchester Prize supports AI breakthroughs with the potential to transform public services and underpin a low-carbon economy. Finalists will receive funding and development support, with the overall winner to be announced later this year.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said AI was offering “transformative new ways to tackle climate change” and help the UK meet its ambition of becoming a clean energy superpower. He stressed the need to reduce emissions from industries that contribute around 16% of global carbon output, while maintaining warm homes and resilient infrastructure.
Last year’s Manchester Prize winner, Polaron, received £1 million for its AI technology that dramatically accelerated the discovery of materials for wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries—cutting development time from years to days. The project showcased the impact AI can have on energy and infrastructure innovation.
Previous editions of the competition have drawn nearly 300 submissions tackling challenges in areas such as water management and energy efficiency, reflecting a wider push for responsible AI development in the UK.
As the country positions itself as a global leader in ethical and impactful AI, these shortlisted projects represent meaningful steps towards a sustainable future. Their success could set the tone for how advanced technologies are deployed to deliver environmental and economic progress.
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Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on June 13, 2025. The Manchester Prize finalists were announced on May 21, 2024 ([manchesterprize.org](https://manchesterprize.org/announcement/announcing-the-10-finalists-of-the-first-manchester-prize/?utm_source=openai)), and the winner was announced on March 19, 2025 ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-start-up-wins-1-million-ai-prize-for-breakthrough-slashing-materials-development-from-years-to-days?utm_source=openai)). The report provides updated information on the finalists' focus areas, indicating a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The report includes a direct quote from Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, expressing optimism about AI's role in combating climate change. A search for this quote reveals it was first used in the government's announcement of the Manchester Prize winner on March 19, 2025 ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-start-up-wins-1-million-ai-prize-for-breakthrough-slashing-materials-development-from-years-to-days?utm_source=openai)). The repetition of this quote suggests it may be reused content, which slightly lowers the originality score.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Robotics and Automation Magazine, a specialised publication focusing on robotics and automation news. While it is a niche source, it is not widely recognised as a major news outlet, which may affect its perceived reliability. Additionally, the report includes a direct quote from a government official, adding credibility to the information.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about AI projects targeting emissions in the cement and steel industries align with the objectives of the Manchester Prize, which focuses on AI innovations for public good in sectors like energy and environment. The inclusion of specific projects and their goals adds credibility to the narrative.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent and provides updated information on the Manchester Prize finalists, indicating a high freshness score. The inclusion of a direct quote from a government official adds credibility, though the reuse of the quote slightly lowers the originality score. The source, while niche, is relevant to the topic, and the claims made are plausible and align with the objectives of the Manchester Prize. Therefore, the overall assessment is a PASS with high confidence.
