A UK-based digital commons could level the AI playing field. Sir Andy Hopper explains how

A joint effort between Cambridge AI Venture Partners and Anthemis has launched CommonAI CIC to jumpstart a collaborative engineering model, providing UK and European enterprises and startups with a credible path to high-assurance AI with less dependence on big tech companies. This platform combines a non-profit engineering Community Interest Company (CIC) with pooled GPU access and a shared digital commons. Anthemis is raising a fund focused on high-assurance AI to support startup participation.

The collaboration promises to create a viable alternative against the US’s AI capital frenzy and China’s more focused engineering ecosystem stewardship. CommonAI aims to establish the common underpinnings of AI, compete in products, and develop human capital in the EU and UK.

I recently spoke with Sir Andy Hopper, CBE, the independent Board Chair of CommonAI. He is also Professor Emeritus at Cambridge, having helped develop the Acorn Computer, conducted seminal research on location intelligence ...