In a major boost for open-source artificial intelligence, the United Arab Emirates has launched the Falcon Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing open-source generative AI models. This 300-million-dollar initiative, spearheaded by Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council, aims to democratize AI development and accelerate technological progress through open collaboration.
The Falcon Foundation will leverage TII’s homegrown Falcon AI models, creating an open ecosystem for stakeholders, developers, academics, and industry players to contribute and benefit. Transparency and knowledge exchange are key, with renowned AI scholars and industry leaders playing vital roles.
The Foundation supports customizing Falcon models for specific sectors and provides open computing resources for ongoing research and development. This ensures the models’ adaptability across diverse applications and contexts.
The Foundation isn’t just about the UAE. It aims to benefit everyone by championing responsible open-source AI. This promotes technological independence while leveraging global best practices for AI governance. It’s a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to a tech-driven future and fostering groundbreaking AI advancements through global collaboration. The launch of the Falcon Foundation took place at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024 and marks a critical juncture in convening stakeholder collaboration to establish transparent governance models and encourage knowledge exchange as AI continues to chart a relentless growth path.
Vinod Kumar (UAE)
