Microsoft has unveiled plans for a new AI hub in London dedicated to its burgeoning consumer AI division, spearheaded by the esteemed AI scientist and engineer, Jordan Hoffmann. Hoffmann, who joins Microsoft from the prominent AI startup Inflection AI, will lead the charge at the forefront of this initiative, marking a strategic move for the tech giant’s expansion into the AI realm.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s revelation of the new consumer AI division, helmed by the founders of Inflection AI, including Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, the AI company acquired by Google in 2014.
Nadella had previously hinted at the integration of key members from the Inflection team into Microsoft’s AI unit, a vision now materializing with the appointment of Hoffmann.
The new AI hub will be led by Jordan Hoffmann, an exceptional AI scientist and engineer. Prior to joining Microsoft AI, Hoffmann distinguished himself as an AI pioneer at Inflection and DeepMind, based in London. Hoffmann will be joined by a talented group of Microsoft AI team members based in our London Paddington office.
This strategic move aligns with Microsoft’s broader commitment to the U.K., as evidenced by its recent pledge to invest £2.5 billion ($3.15 billion) over the next three years. This investment encompasses the expansion of data center infrastructure and a comprehensive initiative to train over one million individuals for the burgeoning AI economy.
In a related development, Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, recently received a knighthood in recognition of his contributions to the field of artificial intelligence, further underscoring the U.K.’s pivotal role in shaping the future of AI innovation.
The U.K. stands as a key player in the global AI landscape, rivaled only by the likes of the U.S. and China in R&D investment. With Google’s DeepMind also headquartered in London, the stage is set for a potential showdown as industry titans vie for talent and supremacy in the AI arena.