MBZUAI Establishes a Foundation Models Institute and AI Lab in Silicon Valley

MBZUAI's New Frontier in AI Research

Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) has made a significant leap in its global research presence by launching the Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) in Silicon Valley, California. This initiative, inaugurated on May 23, 2025, represents an important milestone in MBZUAI's mission to establish a stronghold in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI).

The new institute features a state-of-the-art lab located in Sunnyvale, augmenting other labs previously set up in iconic innovation hubs, Paris and Abu Dhabi. As the third node in an expanding global network of research initiatives, the IFM aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI research and practical applications.

Significance of the Launch

The launch event took place against the backdrop of the Computer History Museum in Mountain View and gathered representatives from leading AI companies and academic institutions worldwide. This gathering highlighted a growing global interest in MBZUAI's unique approach to foundation model research.

Professor Eric Xing, the President of MBZUAI, emphasized, "The establishment of the IFM today marks a pivotal advancement in global collaboration and development of advanced foundation AI models. Our expansion to Silicon Valley positions us at the heart of one of the world's most dynamic AI ecosystems, enabling knowledge exchange with leading institutions and access to a wealth of talent."

The Core of Innovation: The PAN Model

One of the exciting features of MBZUAI’s research is the PAN model, which stands out for its ability to conduct infinite simulations across diverse scenarios, ranging from basic physical interactions to complex multi-agent environments. Unlike traditional models focused mainly on generating text or audio, PAN is designed to predict complete global states by integrating multimodal data like language, video, spatial data, and physical actions. This innovation enhances advanced reasoning capabilities, strategic planning, and nuanced decision-making applicable to areas such as autonomous driving and robotics.

The hierarchical architecture of PAN allows for multilayer reasoning and real-time interaction within simulations while maintaining high accuracy in wide-ranging scenarios. Its companion, PAN-Agent, showcases its versatility in multimodal reasoning tasks, including mathematics and programming, within simulated dynamic environments.

Next-Gen AI Systems: K2 and JAIS

The IFM lab at MBZUAI is also committed to the development of two flagship AI systems: K2 and JAIS. The upcoming K2-65B update will focus on innovative reasoning capabilities with sustainable performance. Meanwhile, JAIS is recognized as the most advanced large-scale Arabic language model globally. At the IFM, JAIS aims to expand its capabilities by enhancing linguistic support and providing greater context that respects and promotes cultural heritage.

An Open Approach to AI Development

MBZUAI prides itself on adopting one of the industry's most transparent approaches to AI development. This includes not only the release of models but also the entire development process, positioning the IFM as a leader in open development. The LLM360 initiative offers researchers comprehensive materials, including training code, datasets, and model checkpoints, promoting openness while balancing it with safeguards such as international advisory boards and peer review processes that uphold research integrity.

The structure of the IFM features dedicated teams focusing on model architecture, training methodologies, evaluation frameworks, and security systems, blending the agility of a startup with the resources of an established research institution.

About MBZUAI

The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is a pioneering research university in Abu Dhabi solely dedicated to advancing scientific progress through AI. To learn more, visit www.mbzuai.ac.ae.