Free announces the creation of Kyutai, a research laboratory specializing in artificial intelligence. This project is led by Xavier Niel, CEO of Free, but also by Rodolphe Saadé and Eric Schmidt. For its launch, investors have a capital of 300 million euros, allowing Kyutai to launch as a non-profit organization focused on open-source.
A response to the imperative need for a sovereign and transparent European AI
According to Thomas Reynaud, CEO of Iliad, it is essential for Europe to have an artificial intelligence that is not subject to non-European legislation. He wishes for this AI to be transparent, based on open source, and made available to European companies and citizens, as OpenAI was before a recent change in strategy. The main idea behind Kyutai is therefore to support a project of European magnitude that attracts other investors while keeping talented French researchers in the field of artificial intelligence who might be tempted to join the United States.
Xavier Niel aims to replicate the success of Station F with Kyutai
The “godfather of French Tech” reminds that his last major intervention was for the launch of Station F in 2017. Thanks to this incubator, many young Parisian companies have been able to take off and contribute to the dynamism of the French start-up ecosystem. Today, with Kyutai, Xavier Niel hopes to give a new boost to companies specializing in artificial intelligence by providing them with a supportive environment for their development and European visibility.
An undeniable support for French researchers in artificial intelligence
One of the objectives of the research laboratory is to retain French researchers who are skilled in the field of artificial intelligence but are tempted to join other horizons, particularly the United States. Kyutai thus aims to offer these talents an inspiring work environment and sufficient resources to conduct their research while remaining on French soil.
An open and collaborative model to foster innovations
In the spirit of open source, Kyutai intends to establish a system where its work and discoveries will be freely accessible to European companies and citizens, thus enabling rapid and widespread adoption of new technologies in artificial intelligence. This strategic choice also aims to promote collaborations among the various stakeholders in the sector, whether public or private and thus create a synergy that will be conducive to innovation.
An approach focused on the stakes and challenges of artificial intelligence in Europe
Beyond the technical aspects, Kyutai also aims to address the ethical and societal questions related to the development of artificial intelligence. Researchers will therefore work from a European perspective, taking into account the specific stakes of the continent, particularly regarding legislation, personal data protection, and balance between the different stakeholders.
A promising future for French research in artificial intelligence
Thanks to the commitment of major players like Xavier Niel, Rodolphe Saadé, and Eric Schmidt, and having a substantial budget for its startup, Kyutai has all the assets to play a key role in the landscape of artificial intelligence in France and Europe. This research laboratory could thus contribute to strengthening the country’s position in this rapidly expanding sector, while offering ethical and transparent solutions adapted to the needs of European companies and citizens.
