Tired of ads? Enjoy an ad-free experience by signing up.
👩‍🍳 How we use AI at Tech in Asia, thoughtfully and responsibly.
🧔‍♂️ A friendly human may check it before it goes live. More news here

OpenAI taps ex-UK Treasury chief to lead AI initiative

OpenAI has appointed former UK Treasury chief George Osborne to lead its new “OpenAI for Countries” initiative, as the company expands efforts to work with governments on AI infrastructure.

Osborne will be based in London and oversee partnerships to help governments develop AI capabilities and adapt tools for local needs.

OpenAI for Countries was announced earlier this year to support nations in building data centers and customizing AI systems, with initial plans for 10 international projects funded by OpenAI and government partners.

The initiative follows OpenAI’s Stargate project, which involves a planned US$500 billion investment in US AI infrastructure.

Osborne is also chair of the British Museum and co-hosts the Political Currency podcast.

He said he joined OpenAI after discussions with CEO Sam Altman, COO Brad Lightcap, and other executives.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Former UK Treasury chief to guide government AI procurement as early projects lack public contract and funding detail

  •  OpenAI hired UK Treasury chief George Osborne to handle government buying; he will be based in London and will lead partnerships under OpenAI for Countries.
  •  The program launched in early 2025 with 10 projects. Public details stop at memoranda of understanding with no binding contracts, funding, or timelines.
  •  NEXTDC’s Sydney Stargate MoU at S7 in Eastern Creek is non-binding and could reach 550 MW at full build-out; OpenAI has not shared capital deployment or construction schedules 1.
  •  The initiative’s scale remains unclear. Australia’s data center power use is projected to rise from about 2% of the national load today to 6% by 2030, requiring more infrastructure 1.

Track DOE solicitations across four sites to win government AI work; Paducah up to 3 GW

  • Systems integrators (IT contractors that assemble hardware plus software from multiple providers) plus compliance vendors (firms specializing in regulatory plus security requirements) should watch DOE solicitations at Paducah, Kentucky; Idaho National Laboratory; Savannah River; plus Oak Ridge, with Paducah proposals due January 30, 2026 and the site designed for up to 3 GW 23.
  • Third-party providers that focus on nuclear or geothermal co-location can stand out with integrated energy offers. DOE prefers proposals with advanced nuclear reactors or enhanced geothermal systems, direct or via partnerships 24.
  • Outside the US, track government Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and commitments; Australia remains limited to non-binding MoUs like NEXTDC’s Sydney facility 1.

Recent OpenAI developments

Stay ahead in Asia’s tech landscape

You've reached your 2 free content limit for the month. Sign up for free to read the full story.

🏄 For casual readers / 👶 Free

Basic

US$0

Free forever

Get instant access to this article and more every month

0 premium content

Unlimited news briefs

5

5 articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0 per day

⌛Sign up in 20s. No payment details needed.

📖 For learners / 👍 Starter

Lite

US$4.92/month

Billed annually at US$59/year

Get instant access to this article and more every month

4

4 premium content

Unlimited news briefs & articles

Ad-free reading experience

Just US$0.17 per day

Cancel anytime

Our subscriber community includes professionals from these companies:

Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.

Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.