Tech investor and artificial intelligence specialist Ian Hogarth has said he is “honoured” to be chosen to chair the Government’s new AI Foundation Model Taskforce.
Mr Hogarth co-founded Plural Platform, an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in start-ups developing new technologies, and also co-authors the State of AI report, an annual review of the AI industry, safety research and the politics surrounding it.
He is also the co-founder of Songkick, a concert discovery service, which he set up after studying artificial intelligence at the University of Cambridge.
As chair of the AI Foundation Model Taskforce, Mr Hogarth will report directly to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith, and will focus on driving forward new research into AI safety ahead of a world-first summit on the issue which will be hosted in the UK later this year.
As one of the leading figures in UK tech, it’s great to have Ian leading our expert taskforce, empowered with authority and agility to build our leadership in AI safety and development— Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
“The Prime Minister has laid out a bold vision for the UK to supercharge the field of AI safety, one that until now has been under-resourced even as AI capabilities have accelerated,” he said.
“I’m honoured to have the chance to chair such an important mission in the lead-up to the first global summit on AI safety in the UK.”
Announcing his appointment on Twitter, Mr Hogarth also shared a form for AI specialists and safety researchers to express interest in working for the taskforce.
The government’s new £100 million AI taskforce will bring together experts from government, industry and academia to research ways of safely developing artificial intelligence and help inform work to develop international safety guidelines.
It is modelled on the vaccine taskforce set up during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As Mr Hogarth’s appointment was announced, Mr Sunak said “we owe it to our children and grandchildren” to develop new AI technologies safely.
“The more artificial intelligence progresses, the greater the opportunities are to grow our economy and deliver better public services,” he said.
“But with such potential to transform our future, we owe it to our children and our grandchildren to ensure AI develops safely and responsibly.
“As one of the leading figures in UK tech, it’s great to have Ian leading our expert taskforce, empowered with authority and agility to build our leadership in AI safety and development.
“It will ensure we do things differently and move with the same pace and vigour as we rise to meet the task ahead.”
Ms Smith added: “With Ian on board, the taskforce will be perfectly placed to strengthen the UK’s leadership on AI and ensure that British people and businesses have access to the trustworthy tools they need to benefit from the many opportunities artificial intelligence has to offer.”
