# Foundation models

Record: term-foundation-models · Type: term · Edition: 0.20.0 · Evidence cutoff: 2026-09-15

[Read in the atlas](https://theaiatlas.org/ideas/foundation-models/) · [Complete evidence](https://theaiatlas.org/evidence.html#idea-foundation-models) · [JSON](https://theaiatlas.org/records/term-foundation-models.json) · [Pinned complete dataset](https://theaiatlas.org/editions/e74392d479c0e7da8636a7d6a0454d03510df86ffca9931eb86babd952665ca5/data.json)

Dataset pointer: `/glossary/138`. Reviewed: 2026-09-15.

> This is a curated, AI-assisted editorial atlas, not a census, affiliation classifier or independently fact-checked authority.

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## Publication dates and source age

Source is over 18 months old.

Newest dated source: 2021-08-16. Assessed at this edition’s evidence cutoff: 2026-09-15. 18-month boundary: 2025-03-15.

Publication age does not establish validity or a new source-reading date. Unknown dates and month/year precision remain explicit in the JSON record.

## /summary

Models trained on broad data that can be adapted for many tasks. Reusing one model can also spread its weaknesses across applications.

Claim: claim-term-foundation-models-1a5192ba3d7825ca26b24a72. Annotation: synthesis.

[foundation-model-report](https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.07258)

## /definition

A shared trained model becomes a starting point for different uses, through prompts or further training. The term includes more than language models.

Claim: claim-term-foundation-models-1e4c26398ee834b2e16dc7b8. Annotation: synthesis.

[foundation-model-report](https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.07258)

## /placement

Map context: shared models connect development choices to many downstream applications.

Claim: claim-term-foundation-models-25f52a21ad9f2e54a62ed1b2. Annotation: editorial.

[foundation-model-report](https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.07258)

## /distinction

A foundation model is a reusable component. Its broad training does not establish equal performance across applications.

Claim: claim-term-foundation-models-09422ce4d5c74cb753a9bb98. Annotation: synthesis.

[foundation-model-report](https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.07258)

## Source provenance

### foundation-model-report

[On the Opportunities and Risks of Foundation Models](https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.07258)

Rishi Bommasani and coauthors / Stanford CRFM / arXiv · First-hand source (primary) · Published: 2021-08-16 · Updated: 2022-07-12 · Material last read: 2026-09-15 · Verification: read

Read scope is described in the source note.

Read abstract, introduction and shared-model risk discussion. Dates follow arXiv versions. A terminology proposal and research synthesis.

No archive check recorded.