Gemma: Open Models Based on Gemini Research and Technology
(2403.08295)Abstract
This work introduces Gemma, a family of lightweight, state-of-the art open models built from the research and technology used to create Gemini models. Gemma models demonstrate strong performance across academic benchmarks for language understanding, reasoning, and safety. We release two sizes of models (2 billion and 7 billion parameters), and provide both pretrained and fine-tuned checkpoints. Gemma outperforms similarly sized open models on 11 out of 18 text-based tasks, and we present comprehensive evaluations of safety and responsibility aspects of the models, alongside a detailed description of model development. We believe the responsible release of LLMs is critical for improving the safety of frontier models, and for enabling the next wave of LLM innovations.
Overview
-
Gemma models, based on Google DeepMind's research, present a leap in open models emphasizing computational efficiency and AI safety, designed for a wide range of text-based tasks.
-
Incorporating transformer decoder framework and innovations like multi-query attention, Gemma models come in 2-billion and 7-billion parameter versions, optimized for various computing environments.
-
Trained on diverse data using Google's TPU technology and advanced training strategies, these models achieve superior performance in benchmarks, including question answering and coding.
-
DeepMind focuses on rigorous safety measures for Gemma, aiming for responsible AI development and inviting the research community to explore its potential for further AI advancements.
Gemma: Expanding the Horizon of Open Models with Gemini's Technological Insights
Overview of Gemma Models
Google DeepMind's Gemma models represent a significant stride in the development of open models, derived from the foundational work on Gemini models. By implementing state-of-the-art architectural design, training regimes, and safety protocols, Gemma offers a set of lightweight, high-performance models tailored for a variety of applications. Addressing both computational efficiency and the necessity for responsible AI development, these models set new benchmarks in language understanding, reasoning, and model safety across diverse text-based tasks.
Model Architectures and Parameters
The architecture of Gemma models leverages the transformer decoder framework, incorporating numerous enhancements that bolster its performance and efficiency. Notable among these are the implementation of multi-query attention and rotary positional embeddings, alongside GeGLU activation functions and RMSNorm normalization. These improvements manifest in two distinct model sizes: a 2-billion parameter model optimized for CPU and on-device applications and a more robust 7-billion parameter version designed for GPU and TPU deployment. Both variations inherit the comprehensive vocabulary of 256k tokens, reflecting a design ethos that emphasizes versatility and scalability.
Training Procedures and Data Utilization
Gemma's training infrastructure employs Google's cutting-edge TPU technology, facilitating highly efficient model training across a wide array of computational settings. The models are pretrained on vast corpora encompassing web documents, mathematical content, and coding data, fine-tuned via supervised approaches and reinforced through human feedback. This compound training strategy is fine-tuned to align model outputs closely with human preferences, enhancing both the utility and safety of the models.
Evaluations and Benchmarks
Methodical evaluations underscore Gemma's superior performance over similar and even larger open models across a spectrum of benchmark tasks. Across domains such as question answering, commonsense reasoning, and coding, Gemma models consistently outperform counterparts, setting new performance standards. Notably, in mathematics and coding benchmarks, Gemma demonstrates exceptional prowess, reflecting its broader capabilities in generalist tasks and specialized domains alike.
Safety Measures and Responsible Deployment
DeepMind has undertaken rigorous safety assessments and incorporated multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address potential risks associated with Gemma's deployment. These include extensive filtering of training data, adherence to structured development protocols, and commitments to ongoing evaluation and refinement to safeguard against both unintentional and malicious misuses of the technology.
Future Directions and Conclusion
Gemma represents a pivotal advancement in the landscape of open AI models, driven by methodological innovation and a commitment to ethical AI principles. By providing access to both pretrained and fine-tuned models, the Gemma project invites exploration and development within the research community, promising to catalyze further breakthroughs in AI capabilities. While acknowledging the inherent limitations and areas for further research, the deployment of Gemma models is a calculated step toward democratizing AI research and enabling a new generation of AI applications.