Llama Impact Hackathon in London brings in 200 developers
Image:
Meta is one of several companies keen to embed their AI in the UK public services
Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is making a push to embed its AI technology within the UK’s public sector, particularly within the NHS. Not everyone is keen.
Meta’s recent Llama Impact Hackathon, held in partnership with Cerebral Valley, brought together over 200 developers across 56 teams, all leveraging Meta’s open-source Llama 3.2 AI model to create transformative solutions for healthcare, social mobility and clean energy.
Taking the top spot in the event was Guardian, a team that developed an AI-powered triage assistant designed to transform Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments within the NHS.
Atlas streamlines patient intake, conducts real-time risk assessments, and supports multilingual communication to enhance patient care. The tool promises to cut waiting times, optimise resource allocation, and provide critical assistance to frontline medical teams.
The top three teams from the hackathon shared a $50,000 prize fund and will receive six weeks of technical mentorship to further develop their projects. Additionally, they become eligible for Meta’s Llama 3.1 Impact Grants, which offer funding of up to $100,000 regionally and $500,000 globally, with applications closing on 1st December 2024.
“It was inspiring to be at Meta and discuss how open-source AI can be harnessed for public benefit,” said UK Minister for AI, Feryal Clark.
“Whether accelerating cancer diagnoses, boosting productivity, or developing new tools to combat climate change, this technology holds immense potential. That’s why we’re placing AI at the forefront to not only improve public services and stimulate economic growth but also deliver a brighter future for communities across the country.”
Meta’s increasing interest in the UK healthcare sector forms part of its broader strategy to establish Llama as a leading AI solution. By collaborating with governments and healthcare providers, the company aims to demonstrate the real-world value of its technology.
While the potential benefits of AI are undeniable, its integration into critical public services raises concerns. Critics highlight risks such as bias, privacy violations, and job displacement.
The UK government has expressed support for innovation but stresses the importance of responsible AI deployment. Officials express support for initiatives like Meta’s, but they also recognise the need for robust regulation to mitigate risks.
Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and now Meta’s President of Global Affairs based in California, dismissed concerns about the risks of AI as exaggerated.
“Who knows, maybe AI will start developing a mind of its own and will start wanting to turn us into paper clips by next Tuesday,” he told The Guardian.
“But I think that right now, the technology is way more primitive than a lot of the fears suggest.”
Meta’s efforts come amid similar moves by other tech giants, including Microsoft and Palantir, who are also vying for government contracts to deploy advanced AI solutions.
These companies are offering their technologies to improve public services, reduce inefficiencies, and streamline operations in various sectors.
