Jan Beckers Allocates €50 Million for AI Safety

Jan Beckers, a notable entrepreneur and tech investor, has pledged €50 million over the next three to seven years to mitigate advanced AI risks. The Global Technology Risk Foundation (GTR Foundation), established by Beckers and his sister Lisa in 2023, is launching the GTR AI Safety Fund. This initiative focuses on supporting exceptional talents and nonprofit organizations dedicated to AI safety.

The fund will provide tailored support ranging from initial research funding to strategic advice and networking opportunities. While the GTR Foundation focuses on nonprofit projects, Beckers’ family office, Ocean Investment, will back for-profit companies contributing to AI safety.

This move comes as industry leaders like Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk urge caution in AI development. Amodei's recent essay highlights the need for deliberate pacing in AI advancements, supported by incidents underscoring AI's self-development capabilities and potential risks.