Switzerland has launched Apertus, its first fully open-source large language model, marking a pivotal move for transparency in AI development. Created through collaboration among leading institutions like ETH Zurich and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), Apertus was trained on the Alps supercomputer, countering proprietary AI systems’ dominance. This multilingual model supports Switzerland’s official languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—along with English, making it a versatile tool for researchers and businesses. Unlike closed models, Apertus offers full source code access, encouraging innovation without commercial constraints. This initiative aligns with Switzerland’s commitment to ethical AI, fostering global collaboration in healthcare and finance. Funded by public sources, the model prioritizes public good over profit, addressing criticisms of opaque “black box” AI. As part of a broader AI initiative, it enhances opportunities for SMEs, promoting responsible AI practices amid upcoming Swiss AI Weeks. The launch positions Switzerland as a leader in democratizing AI and invites international partnerships for future developments.
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