Abu Dhabi Institute Unveils Open-Source AI Models

The IFM Research Institute, based in Abu Dhabi, has unveiled six K2 Horizon artificial intelligence models, while also releasing the data and methodologies used in their development. This runs counter to the trend toward increasingly secretive AI development.

The package includes model weights, training data, source code, methodology and intermediate checkpoints. According to IFM founder Eric Xing, this allows researchers to trace the development process and reproduce its results.

IFM's approach goes further than so-called "open-weights" models, in which developers allow a model to be downloaded but disclose only limited information about its creation. Xing said the goal was to demonstrate that openness and competitive performance are not mutually exclusive.

The K2 Horizon family includes a model designed for smartwatches and other devices with limited processing power, as well as a system with 375 billion parameters for enterprise use. The project is part of the United Arab Emirates' effort to become a global hub for artificial intelligence.

(Reuters, sab)