Mohamed bin Zayed University Unveils New AI Institute in Silicon Valley

MBZUAI Expands with the Institute of Foundation Models

On May 24, 2025, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) marked a significant milestone as it launched its Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) in the heart of Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale, California. This initiative underscores MBZUAI’s commitment to enhancing its global footprint and contributing to the advancement of artificial intelligence.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, representing the third hub in the university's international research network. The new lab in Silicon Valley follows previously established labs in Paris and Abu Dhabi, further connecting MBZUAI to California's vibrant ecosystem of AI researchers, startups, and tech companies.

As part of the UAE's long-term economic diversification strategy, this initiative plays a crucial role in investing in advanced technologies. By focusing on cutting-edge AI foundation models, the UAE aims to drive knowledge-based sectors that support its sustained economic and social transformation efforts.

Professor Eric Xing, president and professor at MBZUAI, publicly hailed the launch of the IFM as a milestone for international collaboration in AI model development. He expressed enthusiasm about the potential for knowledge exchange with leading institutions and access to a talent pool proficient in applying research practically. This positioning within one of the most dynamic AI ecosystems worldwide is expected to bolster innovative partnerships and collaborations.

PAN: The Core of MBZUAI’s AI Innovations

Among the highlights of the launch was the demonstration of PAN, a groundbreaking AI model designed to simulate an infinite range of realities, from basic physical interactions to complex agent scenarios. Unlike previous systems that primarily focused on generating text, sound, or images, PAN effectively predicts overall states of the world by integrating diverse inputs such as language, video, spatial data, and physical actions. This multifaceted approach facilitates advanced reasoning, strategic planning, and nuanced decision-making applicable to various fields, including autonomous driving and robotics.

The innovative hierarchical architecture of PAN enables multi-level reasoning and real-time interaction during simulations while maintaining high accuracy across extensive scenarios. Alongside PAN is its companion, PAN-Agent, which showcases its utility in various multimodal reasoning tasks, including mathematics and coding in dynamically simulated environments.

K2 and JAIS: Advanced AI Models with Global Impact

The IFM also focuses on two flagship AI systems, K2 and JAIS, reflecting its commitment to advancing next-generation foundation models. The upcoming K2-65B update will enhance its reasoning capabilities, significantly contributing to AI’s functional evolution. Additionally, JAIS stands out as the most advanced Arabic language model globally. Inside the IFM, JAIS will continue to expand its functionality and improve language context, aiming to preserve and promote the cultures it represents.

Open Development and Transparency

MBZUAI embraces one of the industry's most transparent approaches to AI development, providing not only models but also comprehensive development processes. The initiative, known as LLM360, equips researchers with essential resources including training code, datasets, and model checkpoints. This commitment to openness is accompanied by safeguards such as international advisory committees and peer-review processes to maintain research integrity.

The IFM is structured with teams specializing in model architecture, training methods, evaluation frameworks, and security systems, combining the agility of a startup with the resources of an established research institution.

Conclusion

The launch of the Institute of Foundation Models at MBZUAI signifies a pivotal step in the university’s mission to lead in AI research and development. With its ambitious objectives and strategic positioning in Silicon Valley, MBZUAI is poised to solidify its role as a global leader in advancing artificial intelligence, fostering knowledge exchange, and driving technological innovation for future generations.

For more information about MBZUAI, please visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae.