MBZUAI Launches Institute of Foundation Models and Establishes Silicon Valley AI Lab
SAN FRANCISCO, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has expanded its global footprint with the launch of its Institute of Foundation Models (IFM). The IFM is a multi-site initiative consisting of a newly established Silicon Valley Lab in Sunnyvale, CA, combined with previously announced lab facilities in Paris and Abu Dhabi.
The launch event yesterday at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, establishes the third node in its global research network. This strategic expansion connects the university with California's vibrant ecosystem of AI researchers, startups, and tech companies.
For the UAE and MBZUAI, this move represents another strategic step in the country's long-term economic diversification plan. By investing in cutting-edge technologies like advanced AI foundation models, the UAE continues to build knowledge-based sectors to support its long-term economic and social transformation efforts.
'Today's launch of the IFM represents a major step forward for the collaboration and global development of frontier-class AI foundation models,' said Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor, MBZUAI. 'Our expansion into Silicon Valley provides a critical footprint to grow our presence in one of the most vibrant AI ecosystems in the world. We're creating pathways for knowledge exchange with leading institutions and accessing a talent pool that understands how to scale research into real-world applications.'
The launch event drew representatives from the world's leading AI companies and academic institutions, highlighting the growing interest in MBZUAI's global approach to foundation model research.
At the heart of MBZUAI's demonstrations was PAN, a world model capable of infinite simulations of diverse realities ranging from basic physical interactions to complex agent scenarios.
Unlike previous systems focused primarily on generating text, audio, or images, PAN predicts comprehensive world states by integrating multimodal inputs like language, video, spatial data, and physical actions. This enables advanced reasoning, strategic planning, and nuanced decision-making for applications from autonomous driving to robotics.
PAN's innovative hierarchical architecture supports multi-level reasoning and real-time interaction within simulations, maintaining high accuracy over extended scenarios. Its companion, PAN-Agent, showcases its utility in multimodal reasoning tasks, such as mathematics and coding, within dynamic simulated environments.
K2 and JAIS: Advanced Foundation Models with Global Impact
The IFM lab is also advancing two flagship AI systems demonstrating the commitment to further advance frontier-class foundation models: K2 and JAIS.
A soon to be released update to K2-65B will focus on delivering breakthrough reasoning capabilities with sustainable performance.
JAIS stands as the world's most advanced Arabic large language model. At the IFM JAIS will continue to expand in capability with increased language support and add more context to preserve and promote the cultures it supports.
Building AI in the Open: Transparency as a Core Value
MBZUAI has established one of the industry's most transparent approaches to AI development, open-sourcing not just models but entire development processes—positioning IFM as a leader in building openly. The LLM360 initiative provides researchers with complete materials including training code, datasets, and model checkpoints. This openness is balanced with safeguards including international advisory boards and peer review processes that maintain research integrity.
The IFM's structure includes dedicated teams focused on model architecture, training methods, evaluation frameworks, and safety systems—combining the agility of a startup with the resources of an established research institution.
About Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
MBZUAI is a research-focused university in Abu Dhabi, and the first university dedicated entirely to the advancement of science through AI. For more information, visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae.
For press inquiries:
Aya Sakoury
Head of PR and Strategic Communications
[email protected]
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2695164/MBZUAI.jpg
View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mbzuai-launches-institute-of-foundation-models-and-establishes-silicon-valley-ai-lab-302464305.html
SOURCE MBZUAI
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks To Watch In 2023
The Middle Eastern stock markets have shown resilience, with most Gulf bourses ending higher despite geopolitical tensions involving U.S. strikes on Iran, as investors seem to have already factored in potential conflicts and are focusing on regional economic stability supported by robust oil flows and sovereign wealth funds. In this environment, dividend stocks can be appealing for income-focused investors seeking stable returns amidst market volatility, as they often represent companies with strong cash flows and solid financial foundations. Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Turkiye Garanti Bankasi (IBSE:GARAN) 3.81% ★★★★★☆ Saudi National Bank (SASE:1180) 5.93% ★★★★★☆ Saudi Awwal Bank (SASE:1060) 6.40% ★★★★★☆ Riyad Bank (SASE:1010) 6.68% ★★★★★☆ National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah (P.S.C.) (ADX:RAKBANK) 7.56% ★★★★★☆ Emirates NBD Bank PJSC (DFM:EMIRATESNBD) 4.73% ★★★★★☆ Emaar Properties PJSC (DFM:EMAAR) 8.06% ★★★★★☆ Commercial Bank of Dubai PSC (DFM:CBD) 5.97% ★★★★★☆ Arab National Bank (SASE:1080) 6.31% ★★★★★☆ Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik Anonim Sirketi (IBSE:ANHYT) 7.94% ★★★★★☆ Click here to see the full list of 75 stocks from our Top Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks screener. Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Gulf Medical Projects Company (PJSC) operates hospitals in the United Arab Emirates and has a market cap of AED1.45 billion. Operations: Gulf Medical Projects Company (PJSC) generates revenue from segments including Investments, contributing AED37.79 million, and Health Services & Others, which accounts for AED690.34 million. Dividend Yield: 7.2% Gulf Medical Projects Company (PJSC) offers a dividend yield of 7.21%, placing it in the top 25% of dividend payers in the AE market. However, its dividends are not well covered by earnings, with a high payout ratio of 125.5%, and have been unreliable over the past decade due to volatility and lack of growth consistency. Despite recent earnings growth, dividends remain inadequately supported by earnings, though they are covered by cash flows with a reasonable cash payout ratio of 73.1%. Navigate through the intricacies of Gulf Medical Projects Company (PJSC) with our comprehensive dividend report here. The valuation report we've compiled suggests that Gulf Medical Projects Company (PJSC)'s current price could be quite moderate. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Fourth Milling Company operates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the production, packaging, and sale of flour and its byproducts, animal feed, and bran products with a market cap of SAR1.89 billion. Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from its Food Processing segment, which generated SAR633.61 million. Dividend Yield: 6.2% Fourth Milling Company offers a dividend yield in the top 25% of Saudi Arabian payers, supported by a sustainable payout ratio of 67.9%, and cash flow coverage at 49.9%. Recent earnings growth and strategic investments, like the SAR 265 million expansion in Al-Kharj city, signal potential for future revenue increases. The company recently appointed KPMG as auditors ensuring financial transparency but has limited dividend history to assess long-term reliability or growth trends. Dive into the specifics of Fourth Milling here with our thorough dividend report. Our comprehensive valuation report raises the possibility that Fourth Milling is priced lower than what may be justified by its financials. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd., along with its subsidiaries, offers a variety of international, commercial, domestic, and personal banking services to individuals and businesses both in Israel and abroad, with a market cap of ₪55 billion. Operations: Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd. generates revenue through its diverse range of banking services, catering to both individual and business clients within Israel and on an international scale. Dividend Yield: 4% Mizrahi Tefahot Bank's dividends are well covered by earnings, with a current payout ratio of 40% and forecasted to remain sustainable at 45.6% in three years. Despite a dividend yield of 3.98%, which is below the top tier in Israel, the bank's recent earnings growth of 13.7% supports its payout capacity. However, past dividend payments have been volatile and unreliable over the last decade, raising concerns about long-term consistency for investors seeking stable income streams. Click to explore a detailed breakdown of our findings in Mizrahi Tefahot Bank's dividend report. Insights from our recent valuation report point to the potential overvaluation of Mizrahi Tefahot Bank shares in the market. Navigate through the entire inventory of 75 Top Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks here. Are any of these part of your asset mix? Tap into the analytical power of Simply Wall St's portfolio to get a 360-degree view on how they're shaping up. Join a community of smart investors by using Simply Wall St. It's free and delivers expert-level analysis on worldwide markets. Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention. Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management. Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include ADX:GMPC SASE:2286 and TASE:MZTF. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Wisr AI Systems Inc. Accelerates Global Business Development at Web Summit Vancouver, InfoSec Europe, and VivaTech Paris
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 22, 2025) - Wisr AI Systems Inc. (CSE: WISR) ("Wisr AI" or the "Company"), a leading provider of AI-driven cyber and third-party risk intelligence, is pleased to announce the successful execution of several strategic business development initiatives across recent key global technology conferences, including Web Summit Vancouver, InfoSec Europe in London, and VivaTech Paris. Web Summit Vancouver (May 27-30, 2025) Wisr AI participated as part of the official AI delegation at Web Summit Vancouver, where CEO Rob Goehring was featured on panels discussing the future of predictive AI in enterprise cybersecurity and risk management. The Company held targeted meetings with industry stakeholders, public-sector innovation leaders, and investors. These engagements served to strengthen Wisr AI's leadership role in Canada's AI sector while building new relationships across the North American innovation landscape. InfoSec Europe, London (June 3-5, 2025) At InfoSec Europe, one of Europe's leading cybersecurity conferences, Wisr AI advanced its market development objectives through high-level engagements with managed service providers, enterprise IT risk teams, and government-backed cyber programs. The Company showcased its predictive risk platform designed to detect vendor vulnerabilities, ingest global intelligence signals, and automate prioritization of emerging cyber threats. The event marked a key milestone in Wisr AI's strategy to expand its European footprint. VivaTech Paris (June 11-14, 2025) Wisr AI was honoured to be selected as part of Canada's official delegation to VivaTech Paris, where Canada was recognized as "Country of the Year". The event brought together over 180,000 attendees and 2,800 exhibitors, including a strong cohort of AI-focused companies from around the world. Wisr AI used the opportunity to demonstrate how its platform leverages artificial intelligence to improve cyber resilience and compliance across complex global supply chains. Throughout the conference, Wisr AI engaged in bilateral meetings with multinational corporations, innovation ministries, and enterprise risk teams. These discussions were supported by Canadian and provincial trade delegations and enabled the Company to identify potential new European partners, explore collaboration with cross-border regulatory frameworks, and align with emerging AI safety and sovereignty initiatives. Rob Goehring, CEO of Wisr AI, stated: "These global events provided a powerful platform for Wisr AI to expand its reach and share our vision of proactive, intelligence-led risk management. We're proud to represent Canadian innovation on the world stage and are encouraged by the momentum we've built with partners and prospects in both North America and Europe." Equity Incentive Grants The Company also announces that on June 20, 2025, Wisr AI adopted a "rolling" omnibus equity incentive plan (the "Incentive Plan") and granted a total of 4,550,000 stock options and 3,900,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to certain directors, officers, and consultants of the Company. Each stock option is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 per share for a period of up to 5 years. The RSUs vest in accordance with time-based criteria established by Wisr AI's Board of Directors, with none of the RSUs vesting until at least six (6) months following the grant date. The grants are intended to align the interests of the Company's team with long-term shareholder value creation and to support the continued growth and success of Wisr AI. The foregoing stock options and RSUs are subject to the Incentive Plan in all respects, as well as any required approvals of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the Company's shareholders. About Wisr AI Systems Inc. Wisr AI Systems Inc. (CSE: WISR) is a Vancouver-based technology company specializing in AI-powered cyber risk prediction and third-party risk intelligence. The Company's platform analyzes real-time global signals—including breach data, dark web intelligence, and firmographic context—to help organizations identify, prioritize, and act on emerging cyber and supply chain risks. Wisr AI supports enterprise resilience by enabling dynamic, scalable, and predictive governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) strategies. For further information, please contact: Robert GoehringChief Executive OfficerTelephone: +1 (778) 200-9005Email: ir@ The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release may contain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding, among other things, expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations of the Company's management, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Entrepreneur
an hour ago
- Entrepreneur
The New Velocity
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In the UK's growing constellation of AI players, few are moving with the clarity and speed of Martin Neale, CEO and founder of Hampshire based technoliogy firm While many in the sector are still finding their footing, is already sprinting ahead, transforming public services through council-wide AI programmes, intelligent automation, and bespoke solutions designed to fit the specific pressures of local government. "AI has become a baseline for business success," Neale says. "A year ago, reactions were mixed, but today, its acceptance has unlocked opportunities that were previously out of reach." That shift -from curiosity to commitment - is fuelling one of the UK's fastest-growing private AI firms. isn't just adapting to the new era of AI enthusiasm; it's building infrastructure for it. And as adoption spreads through councils, healthcare providers, and institutions long thought resistant to change, the company's message is resonating: AI isn't the future - it's the now. But with scale comes scrutiny, and Neale's leadership is marked not just by technological boldness but operational precision. As the company's workload grew, so did the need to protect its most valuable asset: time. "We cut a number of internal cadence meetings as we got busier," he says. "Turns out, they weren't necessary, and eliminating them freed up time for more productive work." The move reflects a broader ethos that runs through strategy: keep things lean, purposeful, and future-facing. That same thinking extends to how Neale now views work culture itself. "I used to think everyone needed to be in the same physical space to succeed," he admits. "Now, I've seen that remote work, with occasional structured gatherings, works just as well, if not better." For a company driving digital transformation in some of the UK's most complex public environments, that kind of flexibility is no longer a perk - it's a competitive advantage. The future of work is distributed, and so is the future of AI delivery. When asked what gives UK founders an edge in today's market, Neale doesn't reach for hype. His answer is sharper, more grounded in execution. "Velocity. In an AI-driven world, the ability to move fast and adapt is critical. UK founders have the tools and talent to make speed their greatest advantage." That word - velocity - sits at the heart of his vision. Because while headlines often focus on generative breakthroughs or multi-billion-dollar valuations, Neale is more interested in what speed enables: faster deployment, quicker outcomes, and a shorter distance between an idea and its impact. Which leads to a bold prediction. "AI will shorten the path from start-up to exit and accelerate M&A activity," he says. "This will create more start-ups, more exits, and a boom in bolt-on aggregators reshaping industries." It's a vision of the UK not as a follower in the global AI race, but as a uniquely positioned ecosystem - one where small, fast-moving teams partner with institutions, move quickly toward traction, and become part of something bigger. A cycle of growth powered not by scale alone, but by smart exits, reinvestment, and repeat founders. In story, we see the early outlines of that future. A company born from public sector need, now thriving in an AI-first world that's catching up to its original thesis. With fewer meetings, faster feedback loops, and a fully distributed model, Neale's team is proving that speed and impact are not mutually exclusive - especially when they're built into the company's DNA from day one. There's no bravado in his delivery, no Silicon Valley gloss - just a founder moving with intent. And for Neale, that's the whole point.
