Microsoft has unveiled plans to establish a new artificial intelligence (AI) hub in London, with a focus on product development and research. The initiative will be spearheaded by Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of Google DeepMind, who joined Microsoft last month.
This move by Microsoft is significant as it reinforces its position as a leader in AI technology, particularly given its backing of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. With competition for AI talent intensifying across Europe, Microsoft may look to attract experts from other AI-focused companies like DeepMind or OpenAI to staff its new unit.
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The establishment of the AI hub in London also underscores Britain’s efforts to strengthen its status as a technology powerhouse, following its hosting of the world’s first global AI safety summit in November.
Mustafa Suleyman’s appointment as the head of Microsoft’s in-house AI division comes after he left his own company, Inflection AI, to join Microsoft, bringing along several staff members. This move has faced criticism in some quarters, as it allowed Microsoft to circumvent the regulatory scrutiny typically associated with traditional acquisitions.
While the exact number of jobs to be created by the new AI hub remains uncertain, Microsoft’s announcement builds upon its recent commitment to invest £2.5 billion ($3.16 billion) in data center infrastructure and enhancing AI skills across Britain.
In a blog post, Suleyman expressed confidence in the UK’s dedication to advancing AI responsibly and driving investment, innovation, and economic growth. He highlighted the country’s commitment to AI safety and emphasized that Microsoft’s decision to establish the hub in the UK reflects this ambition.
