Introducing Laude Institute: A New Frontier in AI Research
Renowned computer scientist Andy Konwinski, known for co-founding Databricks and Perpelexity, has made headlines with the announcement of his latest venture. Laude, his personal company, is venturing into the realm of AI research with the establishment of the Laude Institute, backed by a substantial $100 million pledge from Konwinski himself.
The Laude Institute stands out from traditional AI research labs by adopting a unique approach akin to an investment fund structured as grants. The institute boasts an esteemed board featuring luminaries like UC Berkeley professor Dave Patterson, Google’s chief scientist Jeff Dean, and Meta’s vice president of AI Research, Joelle Pineau.
One of the institute’s key initiatives is the creation of the AI Systems Lab at UC Berkeley, anchored by a significant grant of $3 million annually for five years. Led by Berkeley’s esteemed Ion Stoica, director of the Sky Computing Lab and co-founder of Anyscale and Databricks, the AI Systems Lab is poised to make waves in the industry upon its launch in 2027, with a lineup of top-tier researchers joining the team.
In a blog post unveiling the institute, Konwinski outlined its mission as a hub for computer science researchers aimed at propelling the field towards more beneficial outcomes. This mission serves as a contrast to the commercial-driven pursuits of other AI research entities, emphasizing a commitment to advancing the field in a socially responsible manner.
Laude Institute’s structure, combining a nonprofit core with a public benefit corporation arm, sets it apart from its counterparts with commercial inclinations. Konwinski has categorized his research investments into “Slingshots” for early-stage projects and “Moonshots” for ambitious, long-term endeavors tackling monumental challenges in AI.
While Laude Institute focuses on research and grants, Konwinski’s broader vision extends to for-profit ventures through his venture fund, which has already made strategic investments in the AI landscape. The success of Databricks and Perpelexity has paved the way for Konwinski’s philanthropic endeavors, with a focus on fostering independent, impactful research in the AI domain.
Amidst a landscape cluttered with commercial interests and conflicting agendas, the emergence of Laude Institute signals a beacon of hope for those seeking truly independent and human-centric AI research. With luminaries like Konwinski, Dean, and Stoica at the helm, the institute holds the promise of reshaping the AI landscape for the better, paving the way for a more ethical and innovative future.