- The Open Model Initiative (OMI) strives to develop new open-source AI models to rival the recently controversial Stable Diffusion release.
- The initiative includes the collaborative efforts of Invoke AI, Comfy.org, and CivitAI, targeting advancements in open-source image, video, and audio generation models.
- “We aim to launch a next-gen model within the next three to six months,” said Kent Keirsey, CEO of Invoke AI, expressing optimism about the initiative’s ambitious goals.
The Open Model Initiative (OMI) teams up with prominent AI developers to create open-source models that rival proprietary versions, advocating for non-restrictive, community-driven growth in AI innovations.
The Ambitiously Collaborative Open Model Initiative Unveils its Plans
Last week saw the launch of the Open Model Initiative (OMI), a collaborative effort by Invoke AI, Comfy.org, and CivitAI. The goal of this initiative is to introduce revolutionary open-source AI models that match or surpass the capabilities of proprietary versions like Ideogram and MidJourney, yet come without restrictive licensing.
“The OMI was founded to create competitive and community-driven AI models that everyone can use openly,” elaborated Keirsey. The initiative’s drive is fueled by the collaboration of veteran AI developers determined to deliver high-quality models under open licenses. This ambitious venture aspires to launch a next-generation model within a few months, one that the community can rally around and enhance further.
Addressing the Restrictive Licensing of AI Models
The creation of OMI comes shortly on the heels of the controversial release of SD3 by Stability AI, which faced widespread criticism over its restrictive licensing. OMI’s promise to adopt more open, less restrictive licensing terms—like the MIT or Apache-2 licenses—marks a significant shift toward genuinely open-source development in the AI community.
Such changes are necessary to steer the community away from constraints that limit creativity and accessibility. CivitAI stated, “Our aim is to leverage better-designed models that do not impose unnecessary restrictions.” The commitment to maintaining open access is a core principle that OMI strongly advocates for, ensuring developments benefit the broader community rather than being confined by corporate interests.
Financial Strategy: Community Support Over Venture Capital
The OMI’s financial strategy sets it apart from other tech initiatives, as it steers clear from venture capital investments. Instead, it relies on the support of its community and the existing business models of its founding members. “Our goal is not profit; it’s about building accessible, high-quality models,” Keirsey emphasized. This approach helps maintain the primal intent of open-source models and avoids the pitfalls associated with profit-driven motivations.
Additionally, each member organization within OMI maintains its unique business structure, further reinforcing the initiative’s decentralized and open nature.
Stakeholder Support and Ethical Commitments
The OMI has garnered substantial support from the community since its announcement. Over 1,000 members have already joined its Discord server, with an additional 100 requests to join pouring in within the first 24 hours. The initiative’s success hinges not just on its technical goals but also on its ethical commitments. OMI vows to develop models that respect privacy, avoiding the use of unsanctioned artist names or generating likenesses of individuals without consent.
Robin Ken of ComfyUI highlighted their role at the core “tooling layer,” emphasizing that their focus remains steadfast on democratizing AI. “Comfy will always be open-source,” Ken confirmed, explaining that their financial sustainability will come from enterprise support and consulting rather than shifting towards restrictive practices.
Conclusion
The Open Model Initiative stands as a beacon of change in the competitive AI landscape, emphasizing community-driven development and open access. By drawing together the expertise of several top-tier AI developers, adopting non-restrictive licenses, and eschewing venture capital, the OMI is set to foster an environment where innovation thrives freely. As the initiative moves forward, it remains committed to ethical AI practices and aims to rally continued community support to push the boundaries of AI development.
