Statement from SVLG CEO Ahmad Thomas on Recent AI Headlines

“Over the weekend several prominent frontier AI companies demonstrated important leadership by initiating a thoughtful conversation around how to most effectively pair continued innovation with appropriate safeguards, independent evaluation, and public accountability. These commitments represent a meaningful step towards building trust as AI systems become increasingly capable and consequential. 

“Frontier models, I believe, are just one important piece of a much broader picture. As we consider the longer trajectory of Silicon Valley and the AI ecosystem, it’s essential that we continue to address the challenges of how this powerful technology is already transforming our economy today. This includes focusing on workforce readiness for an AI-enabled future, responsibly building the energy, digital, and physical infrastructure necessary to support continued innovation, and thoughtfully navigating the initial waves of Agentic and Physical AI deployment. 

“That’s precisely why SVLG first established the Institute for California AI Policy (ICAP), and more recently, the California Innovation Foundation (CIF) — to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders to have the action-oriented conversations that will develop informed solutions to keep California competitive, create jobs and promote broad-based economic growth, and help ensure a more resilient, sustainable future for us all. 

“This is a pivotal moment for California — and getting it right will require sustained collaboration across sectors, a willingness to tackle difficult questions, and a commitment to ensuring that innovation and leadership advance together.  

At SVLG, we are committed to doing so and to meeting this moment.”