Microsoft's Next Move: Opening a State-of-the-Art AI Hub in London

Jakarta, INTI - Microsoft, a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, is taking a significant step forward by announcing the opening of a new AI hub in London. This move underscores the company's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities and fostering innovation in the field.

The decision to establish the AI hub comes on the heels of Microsoft's recent announcement of the formation of Microsoft AI, an organization dedicated to advancing consumer AI products and research. Now, Microsoft AI is doubling down on its commitment by launching a new hub in London, aimed at driving groundbreaking work in language models and infrastructure development.

In a blog post penned by Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind, it was revealed that the new hub, situated in Microsoft's London Paddington office, will be spearheaded by Jordan Hoffmann, a seasoned AI pioneer with experience at Inflection and DeepMind. Suleyman expressed his confidence in the abundance of AI talent in the UK and emphasized Microsoft's intention to invest significantly in the region.

"As a British citizen, born and raised in London, I'm proud to have co-founded and built a cutting-edge AI business here," Suleyman stated. "I'm deeply aware of the extraordinary talent pool and AI ecosystem in the UK, and I'm excited to make this commitment to the U.K. on behalf of Microsoft AI."

This initiative represents Microsoft's latest expansion in the UK, adding to its existing presence in the country, including a renowned research lab in Cambridge. The decision to establish the hub in London follows in the footsteps of OpenAI's international expansion in the same city, reflecting London's status as a burgeoning hub for AI innovation and talent.

Furthermore, Microsoft's investment in the UK extends beyond the establishment of the AI hub. The company recently pledged £2.5 billion (US$3.18 billion) to upskill the UK workforce for the AI era and develop the infrastructure necessary to support the burgeoning AI economy. This includes plans to bring 20,000 advanced GPUs to the country by 2026.

Clare Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK, emphasized the importance of removing barriers to AI adoption and ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of AI innovation. Microsoft's commitment to supporting one million individuals in gaining AI skills by 2025 underscores its dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive talent pool in the UK.

Microsoft's decision to establish an AI hub in London represents a significant milestone in the company's AI journey. By leveraging the abundant talent and resources in the UK, Microsoft aims to drive innovation, empower individuals with AI skills, and propel the UK to the forefront of the global AI landscape.