MBZUAI is proud to unveil the Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) — a bold, global initiative uniting top AI talent across Abu Dhabi, Silicon Valley, and Paris. The mission: to advance the next generation of foundation models and deliver their benefits to communities worldwide.
We invite researchers, technologists, and innovators to join us in Silicon Valley as we celebrate this milestone and foster connections within the broader AI community.
RSVPs CLOSED
Thanks for your interest! We’re sorry, but we’ve reached capacity and are no longer accepting RSVPs. We hope to welcome you at a future event.
Throughout the day, attendees will hear from world-class researchers, industry leaders, and technical teams shaping the next era of AI. Expect a thoughtfully curated program featuring:
- Talks featuring voices from MBZUAI and the broader AI community
- A closer look at how the Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) is advancing open-source research and global partnerships
- Opportunities to meet and connect with researchers, technologists, and applied AI leaders
- Meals and refreshments served throughout the day
- A closing happy hour to unwind and continue the conversation
Whether you're deep in research, building real-world applications, or exploring what’s next in AI — this event is designed for you.
The Institute of Foundation Models (IFM) is the newest research initiative from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). As MBZUAI’s first U.S. presence, IFM is a collaborative hub focused on advancing the development of open-source, reproducible foundation models.
Backed by world-class researchers and an international footprint spanning Abu Dhabi, Paris, and now Silicon Valley, IFM brings together academic insight and industry collaboration to push the boundaries of AI.
Founded in 2019, MBZUAI is the world’s first graduate-level, research-based AI university. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, it is dedicated to advancing AI knowledge, fostering interdisciplinary innovation, and contributing to real-world impact across industries and borders. Its programs span computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics - and its faculty and students are regularly recognized on the global research stage.
This new chapter in Silicon Valley marks MBZUAI’s commitment to global, open AI research - and a deepening connection to the U.S. AI ecosystem.
→ Learn more about the Institute of Foundation Models at ifm.mbzuai.ac.ae/.
The event will take place at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, a space at the intersection of tech history and future innovation.
CHM is the leading museum decoding computing’s ongoing impact on our world. Its unparalleled collection of artifacts, exhibits, and research is a fitting backdrop for this next chapter in AI.