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Microsoft is launching a new AI hub in London to help build upon the tech giant’s research of advanced language models.
According to a report published by Business Insider, the London hub is strategically situated near Google’s renowned AI subsidiary, DeepMind. The quick development reflects the growing importance of AI in shaping the global workforce and how the fierce rivalry between tech giants is rising to secure the best minds in the field.
The announcement was made in an official blog post by Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft AI’s recently announced EVP and CEO.
The newly formed Microsoft AI unit is led by Suleyman, a former co-founder of Google’s DeepMind, according to a report published by Reuters. Suleyman’s appointment suggests Microsoft’s determination to challenge Google’s dominance in AI research and development.
In Suleyman’s recent blog post, he stressed Microsoft’s long-term commitment to investing in the U.K.’s AI talent pool and expertise.
“This is great news for Microsoft AI and for the U.K. 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 said. “I’m deeply aware of the extraordinary talent pool and AI ecosystem in the U.K., and I’m excited to make this commitment to the U.K. on behalf of Microsoft AI. I know – through my close work with thought leaders in the U.K. government, business community and academia – that the country is committed to advancing AI responsibly and with a safety-first commitment to drive investment, innovation and economic growth. Our decision to open this hub in the U.K. reflects this ambition.”
DeepMind, acquired by Google in 2014, has been at the forefront of AI innovation for years but now faces mounting pressure to retain its skilled workforce amidst aggressive recruitment efforts from competitors like Microsoft.
Google has reportedly offered increased compensation packages to key employees to prevent further talent losses to rivals like Microsoft and OpenAI.
Microsoft’s expansion into the U.K.’s AI scene, coupled with its substantial investments in the country’s technology sector, suggests the growing importance of AI in driving innovation and shaping the future of work. Last year many U.S. tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook shifted focus to AI research and development — leading to the downsizing of other teams within these companies.
As the AI field continues to evolve, the industry can expect further strategic maneuvers and intensified competition for the brightest minds in the field. This could lead to better productivity tools and software for the global workforce.
