Microsoft has revealed its plans to establish a new office in London focused solely on research and development in artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s AI lead, the company will be actively recruiting “exceptional individuals” for various roles in the upcoming weeks and months. However, the exact number of job opportunities available has not been disclosed.
As a significant investor in OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT and which set up its London office in 2023, Microsoft recognizes the abundance of AI talent and expertise in the UK. Suleyman, who previously co-founded DeepMind in the UK before joining Microsoft, expressed confidence in the UK’s AI capabilities, outlining a substantial and long-term investment plan for the region.
The new office, headed by AI engineer Jordan Hoffmann, will primarily focus on advancing state-of-the-art language models and their supporting infrastructure. Suleyman also commended the UK’s cautious and safety-centric approach to AI, highlighting a recent collaboration agreement with the US aimed at testing advanced AI models.
Viscount Camrose, the AI minister, praised Microsoft’s decision, referring to it as a vote of confidence in the UK’s global leadership in AI innovation. He pointed out that the AI sector in the UK employs over 50,000 individuals across the country and contributes significantly to the economy.
Suleyman emphasized that the new UK office would work closely with the staff at OpenAI, with whom Microsoft has made substantial investments. Microsoft had previously announced plans to build upon its initial $1 billion (£790 million) investment in OpenAI with a “multi-year, multi-billion” partnership in early 2023.
Since then, Microsoft has pledged its support to OpenAI’s chief executive, Sam Altman, especially during a period of chaotic leadership changes in November.
Russ Shaw, the founder of Tech London Advocates, regarded Microsoft’s move as a positive indicator for the UK’s tech ecosystem, underlining the crucial role of AI in enhancing efficiency and creativity in various industries.
In summary, Microsoft’s announcement of a new AI office in London signifies a strategic investment in the UK’s thriving tech sector and reinforces the country’s status as a key player in AI research and development. GX GX GX GX GX GX GX GX
