The Chilean Ministry of Science and Inria announce the creation of a Binational Center for Artificial Intelligence

In a ceremony presided over by the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, the strategic agreement to create the Franco-Chilean Binational Center for Artificial Intelligence was formalized. Participants included the Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation of Chile, Aisén Etcheverry; the President and CEO of the French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology (Inria), Bruno Sportisse; and Nayat Sánchez-Pi, Director of Inria Chile.

This is a pioneering and unique agreement for both France and Chile, two leading countries in artificial intelligence in their respective regions. It will strengthen and provide new momentum for Franco-Chilean cooperation in this field and for the research, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystems in AI, especially given the upcoming Action Summit on Artificial Intelligence to be held in Paris in February 2025.

The agreement has the following main objectives:

Support the international dimensions of the AI policies of both countries;
Develop innovative Franco-Chilean partnerships with multiple actors (academics, startups, industry, etc.) for the implementation of projects applied to areas of common interest to both countries (oceans, environment, critical materials, renewable energies, astronomy, etc.);
Develop joint projects and programs in artificial intelligence and its applications;
Promote and facilitate the mobility and training of researchers and students from both countries in AI.

Inria Chile, as the operator of the Center, will support the consolidation of the Franco-Chilean artificial intelligence ecosystem, addressing priority social and economic challenges.

Six projects driven by Inria Chile will be launched to tackle current AI challenges:

AI Evaluation;
Generative AI and Foundational Models;
AI for Science and Other Sciences for AI Development;
Frugal and Embedded AI;
AI and Innovation;
Support for AI Public Policies.

Verbatim

The significance of this agreement lies not only in deepening the historical ties between both nations in scientific and technological matters but also in establishing innovative mechanisms for cooperation through the creation of a Franco-Chilean binational center dedicated to artificial intelligence, a technology that is transforming our societies. In the context of the upcoming Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence, to be held in Paris in February 2025, this strategic alliance strengthens Chile's position as a relevant actor in the responsible and ethical development of AI in Latin America, facilitating the linkage between national and regional ecosystems in this area.

Aisén Etcheverry

Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation of Chile

Verbatim

With the creation of the Franco-Chilean AI center, operated by Inria Chile, Inria's long-standing collaboration with Chile reaches a new dimension. The projects that the Center will undertake are part of our joint strategic agenda, for example, with the evaluation of AI or the strengthening of AI capabilities to support public policies, benefiting both the French and Chilean AI ecosystems. I would like to thank Minister Aisén Etcheverry for her commitment and trust.

Bruno Sportisse

President and CEO of Inria

Verbatim

After 12 years of presence in Chile, the signing of this Agreement and the creation of the Binational Center for Artificial Intelligence that we will operate at Inria Chile is a key step for us, but also for all our partners in Chile, including universities, research centers, companies, and public and private institutions. They can count on our commitment to catalyze cooperation between the AI ecosystems of both countries and increase the impact of our actions. The trust that the Ministry of Science of Chile and Inria place in us is an honor but also represents a great responsibility to carry out this mission.

Nayat Sánchez-Pi

Director of Inria Chile