MBZUAI and G42 Unveil K2 Think: A Revolutionary Open-Source AI Reasoning System

Introduction to K2 Think

In an exciting development for the field of artificial intelligence, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and tech innovator G42 have jointly launched K2 Think, an advanced open-source system designed for sophisticated AI reasoning. This cutting-edge system not only aims to enhance the capabilities of AI but does so in a remarkably compact format, boasting a mere 32 billion parameters — significantly smaller than many of its competitors, which can be up to 20 times larger.

The Technology Behind K2 Think

K2 Think represents a pivotal shift in the way AI reasoning systems are structured and optimized. By implementing a robust supervised fine-tuning process focused on long-chain reasoning, K2 Think greatly enhances logical depth. Additionally, it incorporates reinforcement learning with verifiable rewards, further refining its capability to solve complex problems. The model's architecture allows it to break down intricate challenges before delving into reasoning, and the adaptation techniques employed during testing ensure that it remains highly flexible and efficient.

One of the most groundbreaking features of K2 Think is its planned integration with Cerebras' wafer-scale computing platform, specially optimized for inference tasks. This collaboration is expected to empower researchers and innovators globally, providing them with the tools to push the boundaries of reasoning performance at unprecedented speeds. With speculation-driven decoding specifically designed for Cerebras hardware, K2 Think sets out to process an astounding 2,000 tokens per second — positioning it as one of the fastest and most efficient systems currently available.

Recognition and Achievements

In competitive evaluations, K2 Think has emerged as a standout performer, topping the charts among all open-source models in various mathematical reasoning competitions, including AIME '24/'25, HMMT '25, and OMNI-Math-HARD. This significant achievement not only highlights the power of K2 Think but also marks a watershed moment for AI development in the United Arab Emirates.

A New Paradigm for AI

His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Board of MBZUAI, emphasized that the capabilities established by K2 Think embody a new standard of excellence, showcasing the pioneering spirit of MBZUAI’s Foundation Models Institute. This innovation illustrates how open collaboration between public and private sectors can elevate Abu Dhabi's status as a global AI leader. It reaffirms that the future of AI reasoning is not solely reliant on size; rather, it is a testament to creativity and partnership.

Peng Xiao, a board member of MBZUAI and CEO of Group G42, stated that K2 Think has shifted the AI reasoning paradigm from "the bigger, the better" to "the smarter, the better." The project exemplifies MBZUAI's commitment to innovating open, efficient, and capable technology, affirming that smaller models can indeed compete with, and outperform, larger counterparts.

Commitment to Openness

Unlike many AI models that are labeled 'open' yet primarily release just the weights, K2 Think is fully open-source. This means that everything — from training data and parameter weights to software codes for implementation and optimization during runtime — is completely accessible. This level of transparency ensures that researchers can study, reproduce, and build upon every aspect of the model’s learning process, fostering a collaborative atmosphere in the global research community.

Professor Eric Xing, the President of MBZUAI, noted that K2 Think marks a significant leap for AI research and development globally. By providing these advancements within a completely transparent framework, MBZUAI is ushering in a new era of cost-effective, reproducible, and responsible AI.

Expanding the Legacy

K2 Think builds upon a growing suite of open-source AI models developed in the UAE, including Jais (the world's most advanced Arabic LLM), NANDA (Hindi), and SHERKALA (Kazakh). It builds on the legacy of K2-65B, the first fully reproducible open-source foundational model launched in 2024. K2 Think represents an important milestone in the evolution of AI, affirming the UAE's commitment to developing transformative technologies.

For further details and access to K2 Think, visit the official website k2think.ai or check out the model on Hugging Face.

About MBZUAI

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a research-focused institution in Abu Dhabi, dedicated entirely to the advancement of science through AI. It trains the next generation of AI leaders and drives innovation with high-impact applications through top-tier education and interdisciplinary research. In 2025, MBZUAI introduced its first undergraduate program, a Bachelor of Science in AI, with specializations in Business Administration and Engineering. For more, visit mbzuai.ac.ae.