Microsoft is to build a new AI hub in London to advance large language models such as OpenAI and the supporting infrastructure.

The AI hub will be led by Jordan Hoffman who previously worked at AI and machine learning firm DeepMind and generative AI company Infection.

The new hub, which will be located in Paddington, builds on Microsoft’s existing presence in the UK, which includes the Microsoft Research Cambridge lab, which leads research into AI, cloud and productivity.

Microsoft said it plans to make a “significant, long-term investment in the region”, including hiring top AI scientists and engineers for the hub.

Mustafa Suleyman, EVP and chief executive of Microsoft AI since last month, said that the company is actively hiring people who want to work on the most “challenging AI questions of our time.”

“I’m deeply aware of the extraordinary talent pool and AI ecosystem in the UK, and I’m excited to make this commitment to the UK on behalf of Microsoft AI,” he said. “I know – through my close work with thought leaders in the UK government, business community and academia – that the country is committed to advancing AI responsibly and with a safety-first commitment to drive investment, innovation and economic growth.”

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