Kyutai, a private laboratory dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) research, was launched on November 17, 2023, at Station F, Paris, during the AI Pulse conference. This ambitious project is the result of the collaboration of three iconic figures: Xavier Niel, founder of Iliad, Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM, and Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google. These visionaries have joined forces to create a non-profit research center entirely focused on open science, with funding of 300 million euros.
Kyutai stands out for its commitment to open AI research and the development of large language models (LLMs) to address modern AI challenges. From its inception, the laboratory developed Moshi, the first open source voice AI, which was launched in July 2024. This advanced voice model, based on the LLM Helium 7B, was designed to offer natural and expressive interaction with users, incorporating emotion recognition and advanced speech synthesis.
Another significant milestone is the development of Hibiki, a simultaneous voice translation model unveiled in February 2025. Hibiki is distinguished by its ability to preserve the speaker's voice while adapting the pace to the semantic content of the speech, offering real-time oral and written translation. This technology has been praised for its significant advances compared to existing solutions.
The Kyutai laboratory continues to innovate with ambitious projects. In January 2025, it introduced a lightweight version of its Helium model, Helium-1, which supports six European languages and is designed to operate efficiently on mobile devices. This model aims to democratize access to voice AI and encourage its adoption in resource-limited environments.
Furthermore, Kyutai continues to explore the frontier of AI research with the support of renowned academic figures, such as Yann LeCun, the laboratory's scientific advisor. Kyutai's commitment to open source is demonstrated by making its models' codes and weights available, thus encouraging collaboration and innovation within the AI community.
Kyutai holds a central position in the European technological ecosystem, with a unique approach focused on open science. The laboratory benefits from the support of major players such as Iliad and CMA CGM, which have invested heavily to propel AI research for the common good. This initiative is part of a context where Europe seeks to strengthen its digital sovereignty and position itself as a global leader in AI.
Kyutai also plays a key role in the French AI ecosystem, participating in renowned conferences such as dotAI and the TERATEC Forum. These events provide a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing technological advances, and strengthening collaborations between researchers, companies, and academic institutions.
In 2025, Kyutai continued to make headlines with the presentation of Hibiki, marking a major advancement in the field of simultaneous voice translation. The model was praised for its accuracy and its ability to offer a real-time translation experience, opening new perspectives in communication and accessibility.
Additionally, Kyutai recently announced its intention to release the Helium-1 model, further reinforcing its commitment to open source and the accessibility of AI technologies. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption of AI across various sectors and promote international collaboration in research.
In conclusion, Kyutai stands out for its collaborative and open approach to AI research, supported by strategic investments and a clear vision of the social and economic impact of AI. The laboratory continues to play a crucial role in advancing AI in Europe, establishing itself as a leader in the development of cutting-edge technologies for the common good.
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