Alex Gerko, a prominent mathematician and founder of the algorithmic trading firm XTX, announced a significant investment aimed at advancing mathematical research through artificial intelligence. The newly established AI for Math Fund, with a commitment of $9.2 million, seeks to empower researchers who leverage AI technologies to explore and expand the boundaries of mathematics. This initiative reflects XTX’s dedication to fostering innovation and supporting academic excellence in the mathematical sciences.
XTX’s latest venture builds upon its history of supporting mathematical advancements. Previously, the firm introduced the $10 million AI Mathematical Olympiad Prize to encourage the development of AI models capable of excelling in prestigious competitions like the International Mathematical Olympiad. This continued commitment highlights XTX’s role in nurturing talent and fostering breakthroughs in the intersection of mathematics and technology.
How Will the Fund Support Mathematical Research?
The AI for Math Fund is designed to provide individual grants of up to $1 million for projects lasting two years. According to Gerko,
“As A.I. continues to transform other sciences, we believe that mathematics will be next,”
the fund prioritizes proposals that develop software tools at the intersection of AI and math, create open-source datasets, and initiate field-building activities for the AI-focused math community. High-risk and high-reward research approaches are also encouraged to drive significant advancements.
What Are the Key Focus Areas of the Fund?
A primary emphasis of the fund is on AI-based automation tools capable of verifying mathematical proofs. This initiative aims to enable the automatic generation and verification of mathematically rigorous claims, thereby expanding the breadth of mathematical knowledge. The application process details that projects should focus on enhancing computational methods and collaborative tools that facilitate groundbreaking discoveries in mathematics.
Who Are the Advisors and Partners Involved?
The fund benefits from a distinguished advisory board that includes Terence Tao, a Fields medalist and mathematics professor at UCLA; Anima Anandkumar, a computing professor at Caltech and former Nvidia senior director of AI research; and Albert Quiaco Jiang from Mistral AI. Partnering with Renaissance Philanthropy, led by Tom Kalil, the fund integrates expertise from various sectors to ensure comprehensive support for mathematical AI research. Kalil stated,
“The convergence of A.I. and math has the potential to advance fundamental mathematics, the reasoning capability of A.I, systems, and the synthesis of verifiable code,”
underscoring the fund’s strategic vision.
By leveraging its substantial resources and expertise, XTX aims to catalyze significant progress in mathematical research. The establishment of a data center in Finland, which houses over 25,000 AI chips, and the launch of a machine learning division offering residencies for researchers, demonstrate the firm’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure and opportunities for innovative research.
The AI for Math Fund is set to announce grant recipients in April 2025, marking a substantial step forward in the collaboration between artificial intelligence and mathematics. This initiative not only supports individual researchers but also aims to build a robust community dedicated to exploring the synergies between these two critical fields.
The collaboration between XTX and Renaissance Philanthropy represents a strategic alliance aimed at maximizing the impact of AI in mathematical research. By fostering an environment where interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, the fund is poised to contribute to significant advancements that benefit both the academic community and practical applications in technology and finance.
Continuing to invest in mathematical research through AI not only enhances the capabilities of AI systems but also drives the evolution of mathematics as a discipline. Researchers supported by the AI for Math Fund will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of what is possible, potentially leading to breakthroughs that redefine our understanding of mathematical principles and their applications.
