Microsoft Unveils London AI Hub Dedicated to Advancing Language Model Research

Microsoft is taking a significant step forward in the field of artificial intelligence by establishing a new AI hub in London. This hub will serve as the center for its consumer-focused AI research, further solidifying the company's commitment to innovation in the arena of AI technologies. Located in the vibrant Paddington area, close to Westminster, this facility is strategically positioned to tap into the thriving tech landscape of the city.

The London AI hub will be spearheaded by noted AI scientist Jordan Hoffman, who brings valuable experience from his previous role at the AI startup Inflection. Hoffman is joined by several former colleagues from Inflection, all of whom have transitioned to Microsoft to contribute to this ambitious endeavor. Mustafa Suleyman, a co-founder of DeepMind and a key member of the Inflection team that has recently joined Microsoft, expressed his enthusiasm about the new hub’s potential. He emphasized that it aims to "drive pioneering work to advance state-of-the-art language models and their supporting infrastructure."

In the coming months, Microsoft plans to recruit a diverse team of AI scientists and engineers to reinforce its operations at this hub. Suleyman noted the vast pool of AI talent and expertise available in the U.K., highlighting Microsoft's strategy to make a substantial, long-term investment in the region. His personal connection to London enhances his passion for nurturing the local AI ecosystem: "As a British citizen, born and raised in London, I’m proud to have co-founded and built a cutting-edge AI business here. I’m excited to commit to the U.K. on behalf of Microsoft AI."

In alignment with this growth, the new AI team in London will collaborate closely with OpenAI, Microsoft’s strategic partner, which opened its own London office last June. This partnership is set to foster innovation and drive the advancement of AI technologies.

Support for Microsoft's initiative is evident from U.K. Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, who remarked on social media that the new hub represents a "huge vote of confidence in the U.K.'s status as a global leader in AI." Additionally, Howard Dawber, the deputy mayor of London for business, expressed that the establishment of this AI hub underscores London’s emergence as a global epicenter for artificial intelligence.

This new hub complements Microsoft's existing research facility in Cambridge, which is approximately 50 miles away. The Cambridge team focuses on various AI-related initiatives, including Project Silica—a groundbreaking project aimed at developing sustainable long-term data storage solutions using glass technology.

Microsoft's continued expansion in the U.K. is not only set to enhance its AI capabilities but also looks to create infrastructure that includes adding 20,000 GPUs by 2026 and investing in training local talent. As these developments unfold, they promise to further position the U.K. as a pivotal player in the global AI landscape.