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UAE Unveils USD300M Falcon Foundation for Open-Source AI Development

UAE Unveils USD300M Falcon Foundation for Open-Source AI Development

•  The Falcon Foundation, initiated by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and supported by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), aims to advance open-source generative AI models, backed by an initial pledge of $300 million from TII.

•  Positioned as a non-profit entity, the Falcon Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the growth of open-source AI models and fostering sustainable ecosystems around such projects, primarily focusing on customization for specific industries.

•  Launched at the prestigious World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, the Falcon Foundation underscores the UAE’s commitment to transparency and collaboration in AI development.

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has unveiled the ‘Falcon Foundation,’ to advance open-source generative AI models. 

As a non-profit entity, the Falcon Foundation is committed to fostering the development of open-source AI models and cultivating sustainable ecosystems around open-source projects, with an initial pledge of $300 million from TII. 

The launch of the Falcon Foundation was at the prestigious World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024. 

 With a focus on customizing Falcon models for specific industries, the Foundation will provide open computing resources to foster ongoing research and development, ensuring adaptability across various applications and contexts. 

Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC, emphasized the crucial role of initiatives like the Falcon Foundation in guiding AI development towards greater transparency and accessibility. At the same time, Ray O. Johnson, CEO of TII, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to openness and collaboration in AI development. 

Benefiting entities of the Falcon Foundation include those dedicated to promoting open-source responsible AI, reducing reliance on external vendors, and ensuring business continuity through independent technological choices.

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