Abstract: One embodiment of a method for training a machine learning model includes receiving a training data set that includes at least one image, text referring to at least one object included in the at least one image, and at least one bounding box annotation associated with the at least one object, and performing, based on the training data set, one or more operations to generate a trained machine learning model to segment images based on text, where the one or more operations to generate the trained machine learning model include minimizing a loss function that comprises at least one of a multiple instance learning loss term or an energy loss term