Abu Dhabi’s MBZUAI launches Institute of Foundation Models, a new AI Lab in Silicon Valley, California
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has expanded its footprint with the launch of its Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) - a multi-site initiative that includes the newly established Silicon Valley Lab in Sunnydale, California.
Professor Eric Xing at the IFM launch in Silicon Valley, California
The new IFM lab includes dedicated teams focused on model architecture, training methods, evaluation frameworks and safety systems.
MBZUAI is a research-focused university based in Abu Dhabi. It is the first university dedicated entirely to the advancement of science using artificial intelligence AI.
Earlier this year, MBZUAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with École Polytechnique, a leading French institution to collaborate on AI research, education, and innovation.
The agreement establishes a framework for joint research projects, training programs, and strategic initiatives, allowing researchers and students from both institutions to benefit from shared expertise.
The latest expansion connects MBZUAI with California’s ecosystem of AI researchers, startups and tech companies.
At IFM’s launch event, MBZUAI demonstrated PAN, a world model capable of infinite simulations of diverse realities including physical interactions and complex agent scenarios. PAN integrates multimodal inputs such as language, video and spatial data to provide advanced reasoning, strategic planning and nuanced decision-making.
"Today's launch of the IFM represents a major step forward for the collaboration and global development of frontier-class AI foundation models," explains Professor Eric Xing, President and University Professor at 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."
