Answer.AI Launches: A New Chapter in Practical AI Development
A groundbreaking AI venture has emerged with the launch of Answer.AI, a novel R&D laboratory founded by Jeremy Howard and Eric Ries with $10 million in funding from Decibel VC. This initiative represents a fresh approach to artificial intelligence development, focusing on practical applications rather than pursuing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Leadership and Vision
Jeremy Howard, the founding CEO and co-founder of fast.ai, brings over 30 years of machine learning expertise, including the development of ULMFiT, a methodology now fundamental to modern language models like ChatGPT and Gemini. Eric Ries, serving as founding director, contributes his expertise in lean startup methodology and sustainable business development.
Core Mission and Approach
Answer.AI distinguishes itself through:
Research Focus
The lab concentrates on leveraging existing AI models rather than developing new foundation models, targeting practical applications that can benefit everyday users.
Team Structure
The organization will operate as a fully-remote team of deep-tech generalists, emphasizing skill and creativity over traditional credentials.
Development Philosophy
Answer.AI adopts an iterative approach, solving smaller problems first while building toward larger goals. This methodology mirrors Edison’s historical approach to harnessing electricity.
Future Impact
The venture aims to democratize AI access through commercial products and services, creating a sustainable model where profitability and societal benefit align. By focusing on long-term value creation rather than short-term gains, Answer.AI seeks to expand the AI market while maintaining ethical considerations and practical data ethics at its core.
The original announcement was made on December 12,2023, which makes this post a bit late to the party.
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