The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has recently announced the launch of the Falcon Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing open-source Generative AI models and nurturing sustainable ecosystems around open-source projects that drive technological progress. As a founding member, TII has committed to allocating over AED1 billion (US$300 million) to fund these initiatives.
The official introduction of the Falcon Foundation took place at the World Government Summit (WGS) 2024, marking a significant moment in uniting stakeholders to establish transparent governance models and promote knowledge exchange as the field of AI continues to rapidly evolve.
The foundation will commence with TII’s formidable homegrown Falcon AI models, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors including developers, academia, industry professionals, and individuals to leverage collaborative decision-making. Notable Falcon Foundation Ambassadors, such as distinguished AI professors from universities worldwide and key industry players in the AI field, will play a crucial role in democratizing AI and driving advancements in the industry.
By focusing on customizing the Falcon models to cater to specific industries or sectors, the foundation aims to provide open computing resources for ongoing research and development of Falcon AI, ensuring the adaptability of the models across a wide range of applications and contexts.
His Excellency Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC, emphasized the pivotal role of initiatives like the Falcon Foundation in guiding the trajectory of AI development towards greater transparency and accessibility, given the rapid advancement of AI technology.
Dr Ray O. Johnson, CEO of TII, affirmed the commitment to promoting transparency and collaboration in AI development, expressing their determination to set new standards for openness and inviting entities from around the world to join them in support of open-source initiatives.
The Falcon Foundation’s beneficiaries will include all entities involved in and advocating for open-source responsible AI. By reducing reliance on external vendors, the foundation seeks to ensure business continuity by enabling independent technological choices. Open to all stakeholders committed to open source, the foundation will incorporate global best practices as part of its regulatory and legal framework for artificial intelligence.
The commitment of the Falcon Foundation to open-sourcing and innovation in AI mirrors a forward-thinking approach that not only propels Abu Dhabi and the UAE into a technology-driven future, but also supports the global community in fostering cross-industry collaborations for groundbreaking AI advancements.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Falcon Foundation demonstrates a concerted effort by the Technology Innovation Institute to lead the charge in building sustainable ecosystems for generative AI projects, with the potential to have far-reaching impacts on the global technological landscape.
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