Government gives financial backing to Microsoft's AI initiative
Vendor's partnership with the University of Cambridge aims to address challenges facing AI adoption
The government has backed Microsoft's multimillion-pound initiative to boost the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in verticals including healthcare, technology and manufacturing.
The vendor has launched a research programme in partnership with the University of Cambridge which will last five years and "seek to find better ways of compiling and using the data that forms the basis of AI, simplify the development of AI models and reduce errors and bias in real-world applications of the technology".
Microsoft said that the government will be adding to its funding, but did not disclose any figures. The vendor did state that Microsoft itself will not receive any of the government's money.
Christopher Bishop, lab director at Microsoft Research Cambridge, said: "Through this initiative, we are bolstering the University of Cambridge's AI research capacity and capability by supporting visiting researchers, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and interns from the UK and abroad, thereby increasing the flow of people and ideas between the Microsoft Cambridge lab and the university.
"Staff at the University of Cambridge are already lecturing in the Microsoft AI Residency Program and contributing to major industry-led projects. Microsoft researchers teach at the university and supervise projects at all levels, and this initiative will further increase that exchange of knowledge."
Microsoft said that the programme also aims to help address some of AI's limitations.
The vendor said that AI is dependent on large quantities of error-free data, which requires a lot of time to prepare.
It highlighted a lack of trained AI professionals as one of the biggest hindrances to AI's development.
Lord Clement-Jones, chairman of the House of Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, said: "Without doubt, artificial intelligence can provide a great opportunity for British society and the economy.
"Today, the UK enjoys a position of AI innovation, so as we enter a crucial stage in its development and adoption, the country has a clear opportunity to be a world leader. For this, an ethics-backed partnership between business academia and government will be pivotal."
Dr Richard Turner, team lead from the University of Cambridge, added: "While we know that AI has the potential to transform sectors from healthcare to gaming, as well as improve overall business productivity, we must not forget we are still in the early stages of its development.
"Building on the deep collaborative academic-industry partnership between Microsoft and the University of Cambridge, we aim to realise the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance the human experience and to nurture the next generation of AI researchers and talent. Investment in basic research and innovation is vital in helping design trustworthy and responsive AI."