Yann LeCun, one of the most prominent names in artificial intelligence, has created ripples in the tech world with his decision to start a new venture focused on "world models" in AI. As a serial entrepreneur who has worked extensively across Europe, I find Yann’s choice to focus on European talent intriguing and timely. Silicon Valley’s relentless obsession with generative AI, while groundbreaking, feels increasingly narrow. There’s an opportunity here for Europe to step beyond its "catch-up" mindset and push into AI territories that demand deeper innovation.
Let’s unpack the story and discuss how this shift in focus could impact startups, AI investments, and industry trends.
Breaking Away: Yann LeCun’s Move
For over a decade, LeCun worked as Meta’s Chief AI Scientist, leading projects that helped shape the current technological landscape. Now, he’s leaving to create a startup that steps away from the popular trend of large language models (LLMs), tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT that focus on text generation, and focuses instead on developing AI systems that interact with and understand the physical world.
Why make this shift? LeCun argues that generative AI has hypnotized sectors like Silicon Valley. Startups in the region are chasing incremental improvements to existing technology instead of asking hard questions about what comes next. This critique resonates. If we confine AI to text-based solutions, we miss out on building intelligence systems capable of operating in real-world scenarios.
At the AI-Pulse Conference in Paris, LeCun shared his concerns about the current direction of AI research. He emphasized that "world models" could offer truly human-like problem-solving, reasoning, and adaptability, qualities most current systems lack. If this field expands successfully, startups designing products like autonomous drones, precise robotic systems, or advanced manufacturing AI could benefit exponentially.
Europe’s Role in AI Development
LeCun’s decision to anchor his startup primarily in Europe isn’t a surprise. Despite ongoing challenges, Europe is rich in AI talent, and Yann is no stranger to leveraging this advantage. In 2015, he played a critical role in establishing Meta’s FAIR (Facebook AI Research) lab in Paris, which later developed Llama, one of the most competitive LLMs in the market. His new project signals that Europe could emerge as a fresh hub for alternative AI approaches.
Here’s why Europe is uniquely positioned to make an impact:
- Research Ecosystem: European universities produce top-tier researchers, but many move to the U.S. due to limited opportunities. Efforts like LeCun’s could help reverse this talent flight.
- Regulation: Europe’s cautious approach to AI regulation prioritizes ethics and privacy. This could make the region a testing ground for AI systems designed for real-world functionality over profit-driven applications.
- Startup Incubation: Programs like Startup Bootcamp Europe and AI4EU provide ample resources for growing technology-driven businesses.
What Startups Should Learn from This Shift
LeCun’s narrative offers a valuable lesson: Avoid chasing temporary trends and dig deeper into foundational advancements. Generative AI may be flashy, but its limitations in physical applications leave room for novel breakthroughs.
Here’s how startups can make the most of this opportunity:
- Diversify Goals: Don’t build products that are extensions of generative AI. Focus on applications like real-world robotics, advanced visual processing, or environmental modeling.
- Collaborate Locally: If you’re in Europe, leverage the region’s expertise in mathematics, physics, and engineering to drive innovation in AI.
- Push Ethical Boundaries: Given the regulatory environment in Europe, startups should prioritize AI that respects privacy and offers practical utility beyond consumer applications.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
While the idea of world models is promising, execution matters. As someone who has seen startups fail for reasons that seem basic in hindsight, I can share some of the most common pitfalls that founders should avoid when exploring a new AI roadmap:
- Ignoring Market Fit: How will physical models translate into profitable services for industries like logistics or healthcare? Research your audiences deeply before investing resources.
- Overcomplicating Tech: Sensory-based AI systems require precision. Build prototypes that test your ideas incrementally instead of rushing to scale.
- Skipping Partnerships: Working solo on AI projects that aim to compete globally is trying to climb Everest without oxygen. Join forces with institutes and industrial players for better chances of market penetration.
Is This the End for Generative AI?
LeCun doesn’t shy away from bold predictions. At one point during his talk in Paris, he implied that generative AI might fade into the “dead-end” category unless it completely reinvents itself. While I won’t declare it obsolete yet, startups, and Europe especially, will need to lead the shift toward AI systems with deeper intelligence.
Final Insights for Founders
As someone with experience launching deeptech startups in Europe, this is a pivotal moment for founders to start thinking beyond trends. Silicon Valley’s focus on generative models has unlocked short-term commercial value, but this may not suffice for the next era of AI. Founders should keep a watchful eye on how Yann LeCun’s project revolutionizes world models because this framework may reshape industries like transportation, urban planning, and human-machine interfaces.
For entrepreneurs looking to create impact-focused AI solutions, a guiding principle should be this: New ideas need new environments to mature. Europe might finally prove to be the fertile ground that launches AI’s next chapter.
FAQ
1. What is Yann LeCun’s new startup about?
Yann LeCun’s new startup focuses on developing "world models," AI systems capable of understanding and interacting with the physical world. This distinguishes it from popular generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Learn more about Yann LeCun’s new focus
2. Where will Yann LeCun’s startup be based?
The startup will emphasize European talent, with Paris as a major hub. LeCun believes Europe’s AI ecosystem has the potential to become a global leader. Explore the European focus
3. Why is Yann LeCun critical of generative AI?
LeCun argues that generative AI, like large language models, is narrowly focused and incapable of solving real-world physical problems. He believes these systems lack reasoning and adaptability. Check out his critique of generative AI
4. What are “world models” in AI?
“World models” are AI systems designed to understand sensory and visual information from the environment to make predictions and operate effectively in real-world settings. Discover the concept of world models
5. How does Yann LeCun’s move affect Meta?
Yann LeCun, Meta’s outgoing Chief AI Scientist, played a pivotal role in Meta’s AI research, including the creation of the Llama language model. His departure marks a shift in focus for AI trends globally. Learn about his impact at Meta
6. Why did Yann LeCun choose Europe over Silicon Valley?
LeCun stated that Silicon Valley is hypnotized by generative AI, while Europe offers diverse talent and a research-friendly regulatory environment for creating groundbreaking AI systems. Explore his decision
7. How can European startups benefit from LeCun’s project?
LeCun’s initiative promotes foundational AI advancements like robotics, environmental modeling, and real-world problem solving, creating opportunities for Europe-based startups to lead in these areas. Learn more about the opportunities for startups
8. What are the challenges in developing world models?
Building world models requires integrating sensory data, precision engineering, and real-world applicability. The scarcity of relevant datasets and the complexity of prototypes remain key obstacles.
9. How does Yann LeCun view AI ethics and regulation?
LeCun sees Europe’s cautious approach to AI regulation as a strength for developing systems that prioritize ethics, privacy, and practical applications over profit-focused models.
10. Will LeCun’s world models surpass generative AI?
While generative AI focuses on text tasks, world models aim for deeper intelligence and adaptability. LeCun suggests this paradigm shift could redefine AI’s application in industries like robotics and urban planning. Read about the shift from generative to world models
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.