Stanhope AI, a company founded as a spinout from University College London, has secured £2.3m in seed funding. This funding round was led by the UCL Technology Fund, with participation from Creator Fund, MMC Ventures, Moonfire Ventures, Rockmount Capital, and several angel investors.
The founders of Stanhope AI, Professor Rosalyn Moran, Director Karl Friston, and Technical Advisor Dr Biswa Sengupta, are renowned names in the fields of neuroscience and AI research. Their company aims to apply decades of neuroscience research to teach machines how to make human-like decisions in real-world scenarios.
Stanhope AI’s technology, referred to as ‘agentic’ AI, stands at the forefront of the new generation of AI. By leveraging key principles from neuroscience and applying them to AI and mathematics, the team has developed algorithms that continuously update their “internal models of the world” in a manner similar to the human brain. These models, unlike traditional machine learning systems, autonomously decode their environments and adapt their predictions based on real-time data.
The rise of agentic AI is based on the neuroscience principle of Active Inference, which suggests that our brains constantly predict and adapt to incoming sensory data to minimize free energy. Unlike current AI models that rely on training data, Stanhope AI’s Active Inference models possess the ability to learn on the go. This autonomy allows for efficient decision-making while minimizing uncertainty and requiring less energy to operate.
Professor Friston, known for his work on the Free Energy Theory Principle, has greatly influenced Stanhope AI’s approach. This theory explains how our brains minimize surprise and uncertainty by predicting and perceiving the world in the most energy-efficient way. Active Inference, a component of this theory, forms the foundation of Stanhope AI’s work.
Stanhope AI’s technology is already being tested in collaboration with partners such as Germany’s Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation and the Royal Navy. The company envisions its agentic AI models being applied in various industries, including manufacturing, industrial robotics, and embodied AI.
With the seed funding secured, Stanhope AI plans to further develop its agentic AI models and explore practical applications for their research. By bridging the gap between neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Stanhope AI aims to revolutionize the capabilities of AI and robotics.
FAQ
1. What is agentic AI?
Agentic AI refers to a new generation of AI technology that aims to emulate human-like decision-making by continuously updating internal models based on real-time data, similar to how the human brain works.
2. What is Active Inference?
Active Inference is a neuroscience principle that suggests our brains constantly predict and adapt to incoming sensory data to minimize free energy.
3. Who are the founders of Stanhope AI?
The founders of Stanhope AI are Professor Rosalyn Moran, Director Karl Friston, and Technical Advisor Dr Biswa Sengupta. They are renowned names in neuroscience and AI research.
4. What are the real-world applications of Stanhope AI’s technology?
Stanhope AI’s technology is currently being tested with delivery drones and autonomous machines. In the long term, the technology holds promise in sectors such as manufacturing, industrial robotics, and embodied AI.
The agentic AI industry is experiencing significant growth as companies like Stanhope AI continue to develop and apply neuroscience principles to enhance AI capabilities. This new generation of AI technology aims to enable machines to make human-like decisions by continuously updating their internal models based on real-time data. By leveraging key principles from neuroscience and mathematics, agentic AI algorithms can autonomously decode their environments and adapt their predictions.
Market forecasts indicate that the agentic AI industry is set to grow exponentially in the coming years. The increased demand for AI technologies that can learn on the go and make efficient decisions is driving the adoption of agentic AI in various industries. With the potential applications in manufacturing, industrial robotics, and embodied AI, the market for agentic AI is expected to witness substantial growth.
However, there are several challenges and issues related to the industry that need to be addressed. One of the primary concerns is the ethical implications of agentic AI. As machines become more capable of human-like decision-making, questions arise about accountability and responsibility for their actions. Ensuring that ethical guidelines and regulations are in place to govern the development and use of agentic AI is crucial.
Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the potential job displacement caused by the integration of agentic AI technologies. As machines become more advanced in their decision-making abilities, certain tasks and roles traditionally performed by humans may become automated. It is important for policymakers and industry leaders to consider the impact on the workforce and implement strategies to support job transition and reskilling.
To learn more about the agentic AI industry and its applications, you can visit the following links:
– Stanhope AI – The official website of Stanhope AI, where you can explore their technology and research.
– UCL Technology Fund – The UCL Technology Fund, which led the seed funding round for Stanhope AI, provides further insights into their investment strategies and portfolio.
– MMC Ventures – MMC Ventures, one of the participants in the funding round, offers information on their investments and expertise in the AI industry.
– Rockmount Capital – Rockmount Capital, another participant in the seed funding, specializes in early-stage investments and can provide insights into their approach to supporting AI startups.
– Creator Fund – The Creator Fund, a participant in the funding round, focuses on supporting founders and builders in the technology sector.
– Moonfire Ventures – Moonfire Ventures, also involved in the funding, is an early-stage investment fund that supports AI startups and disruptive technologies.
These resources will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the agentic AI industry, market forecasts, and the issues and opportunities associated with this emerging technology.
The source of the article is from the blog mgz.com.tw