Meta is spread We implemented an AI startup program across Europe, highlighting both the innovation potential in the region’s artificial intelligence (AI) environment and the growing influence of American tech companies.
Programs that run in conjunction with the AI platform hug face and cloud provider scale wayselect five startups to receive mentoring, tools, and computing power. While proponents tout the initiative’s potential to accelerate European AI development, the program also raises questions: data privacy and the long-term independence of the continent’s technology sector.
The program will run from September 2024 to February 2025, will be based at the STATION F campus in Paris, and is open to applicants from across the European Union. Selected startups will work together Meta’s basic artificial intelligence research (FAIR) Lab and gain access to open source AI models including: Llama.
Marco Pancini, Meta’s head of EU affairs, positioned the program as an extension of the company’s open innovation efforts. “For over 10 years, Meta has been a pioneer in open innovation in AI, providing public cutting edge “We have seen first-hand the impact that AI models have on the broader community,” he said. news release.
Launched in 2023, the program’s first cohort supported startups in robotics, retail technology, and cybersecurity. These include: pollen roboticswhich uses Meta’s Llama, segment anything model Develop an open source robotics platform. fragrantwhich is developing body scan technology for fashion retailers. and Kevlar AIfocuses on strengthening cybersecurity.
Hugging Face CEO Clément Delangue cited the program in a news release as evidence of “Europe’s incredible AI talent and enthusiasm for innovation driven by open and collaborative efforts.” .
The extension of the program looks like this Europe seeks to position itself as a responsible AI Fulfill your role as an innovator while navigating complicated relationships with Big Tech. Meta-led programs could accelerate European AI development and lead to breakthroughs in a variety of fields. But it also highlights the region’s dependence on American technological expertise and infrastructure.
Scaleway’s involvement adds a European element to this effort. The company provides high-performance computing resources and allows startups to store data within EU borders. Scaleway CEO Damien Lucas said in a news release that the company’s “cluster of several thousand NVIDIA H100 GPUs is the largest in Europe, meaning startups can drive new levels of innovation without taking their data outside the continent.” It can be achieved,” he emphasized.
The program is gaining interest among European startups as the August 16 application deadline approaches. In a news release, STATION F Director Roxanne Varza said Meta’s program “quickly became one of the most popular programs on campus.”
Selected participants will receive valuable resources and mentorship, but the long-term impact on Europe’s AI ecosystem remains to be seen. As Europe continues to navigate the complex landscape of AI innovation, such programs are likely to continue to be the subject of enthusiasm and scrutiny.
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