Microsoft has revealed plans for a new London hub dedicated to its burgeoning consumer AI division. Spearheading this initiative is Jordan Hoffmann, a seasoned AI scientist and engineer who recently joined Microsoft from the prominent AI startup, Inflection AI, in which Microsoft had invested the previous year.
Investing in AI Talent and Infrastructure
After Nadella introduced a consumer AI division, including Inflection AI founders like Mustafa Suleyman, a Deepmind co-founder, this announcement ensued. Nadella stressed integrating key Inflection team members into Microsoft’s AI unit, with Hoffmann notably among those highlighted. Having worked with Deepmind and Inflection AI, Hoffmann’s expertise qualifies him to lead the new London unit, reporting to Suleyman.
In a post, Suleyman praises Hoffmann as an outstanding AI scientist, highlighting his crucial role in advancing Microsoft’s AI efforts. Hoffmann will supervise operations at Microsoft’s Paddington office, focusing on enhancing language models and related infrastructure and tools. As Microsoft expands, new job opportunities will emerge, aiming to attract fresh AI talent to strengthen Hoffmann’s team.
This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s broader commitment to the U.K., as evidenced by its recent partnership with the U.K. Government, pledging a £2.5 billion ($3.15 billion) investment over three years. This investment encompasses expanding datacenter capabilities and providing training opportunities for million to prepare for the burgeoning AI economy.
The U.K. stands as a prominent player in AI research and development, trailing only the U.S. and China in global investment. With Google’s DeepMind also headquartered in London, a fierce competition for AI talent may ensue between these industry giants, underscoring the city’s pivotal role in the AI landscape.
Recognition in the AI Community
In a related development, Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, recently received a knighthood for his contributions to artificial intelligence, further highlighting the growing significance of AI leadership and innovation on the global stage.
