American entrepreneur, Professor Emeritus of computer science, and founding CEO of the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Oren Etzioni steps down from his position in Allen Institute after serving the company for nearly a decade.
According to the plan, he will continue to serve as the company’s CEO till September 30, after which he will become a board member and advisor. Later he will be joining as the technical director of the AI2 Incubator.
AI2 Incubator is an initiative of the Allen Institute for AI that helps entrepreneurs build AI-first startups through leading AI research, support and funding.
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Oren Etzioni said, “It has been an honor of a lifetime to help build and lead such an incredible organization as its founding CEO.” He further added that he wants to thank Paul Allen for the chance to serve in this capacity, along with the devoted AI2 team who gave life to a vision and are benefiting the world via their efforts.
Etzioni founded AI2 in January 2014 with late Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen. The Allen Institute For Artificial Intelligence (AI2) is an artificial intelligence research institute and startup incubator.
Deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and the development of common sense AI systems are some of the research areas being pursued at Allen Institute. Etzioni served a crucial role in the company, and under his leadership, AI2 expanded to more than 200 employees.
Ana Mari Cauce, AI2 board member and president of the University of Washington, said, “His legacy includes a commitment to nurturing an inclusive, collaborative culture that attracts and develops highly talented scientists and allows them to thrive.”
Cauce also mentioned that as they start on the next phase of AI2, they are motivated by the global effect AI2 will have and the potential AI represents for people everywhere.
