Share This Article
New Kyutai laboratory plans large-scale study of AI
The rapid development of artificial intelligence technology points to the need to integrate it into everyday processes. It is also a strategic innovation for countries, allowing them to strengthen their position on the world scene. Recognising the importance of this, French businessmen decided to invest in AI research.
Xavier Niel, Eric Schmidt, and Rodolphe Saade are investing 300 million euros in creating a laboratory for the research and development of artificial intelligence technologies. The name of the new non-profit organisation is Kyutai, and its headquarters are in Paris.
Niel, owner of one of the largest mobile and internet operators, Iliad, and Saade, head of the logistics company CMA SA, each plan to contribute 100 million euros to the lab. Former Google CEO Schmidt declined to say how much he would invest. The only news is that the money will go into the new project via his Schmidt Future fund.
The total funding will amount to around 300 million euros. The lab will employ specialists who have previously developed AI products at companies such as Google and Meta. Open-source research will be a vital focus of the organisation.
Scaleway, a subsidiary of Iliad, will provide the computing power for the lab. Its supercomputer is famously the most powerful in Europe and is well-placed to develop AI models.
France’s ambitions in AI
The creation of the laboratory on French territory is a milestone for the country. Against the background of the development of AI technologies in other developed countries, France is still gaining momentum and is still significantly behind the US and China. Given that AI can become a technological and economic asset for any state in the modern world, the emergence of an advanced laboratory will help France significantly strengthen its position both in the region and in the world.
It is still too early to talk about France’s success in the AI sector, especially considering the level of investment in research by US IT giants such as Microsoft, Amazon and Google. However, the interest shown by French companies in this field bodes well for its development.
It is worth noting that the new lab is one of many investments in AI for Niel and Saade. The billionaires have invested in several AI projects, including:
- local startup Mistral AI, which has already launched its own product based on generative AI;
- american startup Poolside AI, based in Paris.
Experts hope the example of French entrepreneurs will encourage other investors to invest in developing European AI products.