Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a type of artificial intelligence that creates original content—such as realistic prose, images and even videos—by analysing patterns and features from pre-existing data. This is an advancement over traditional AI, which focuses on analysing and making predictions based on data it has been trained on. For example, traditional AI might predict the likelihood of a drug compound being effective based on existing data, but generative AI can interpret large datasets of molecular structures and chemical properties to create entirely new drug compounds to accelerate drug discovery processes.
Generative AI is a fast-growing technology, with tools like ChatGPT now reaching 180.5 million users.