NVIDIA and NSF are partnering to launch the NAIRR pilot project, a major initiative to advance US AI research by providing resources and promoting responsible AI innovation, strengthening America’s global AI competitiveness.
NVIDIA and the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) have embarked on a path to significant advances in artificial intelligence (AI). This partnership, under the banner of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot project, aims to expand access to the tools needed for responsible AI discovery and innovation.
NVIDIA, a leader in AI chip manufacturing, has pledged a remarkable $30 million in technology contributions over two years. This commitment includes NVIDIA DGX Cloud AI supercomputing resources and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software. The goal is to leverage insights from researchers using NVIDIA platforms, thereby improving the technology’s effectiveness.
The NAIRR pilot program, supported by NVIDIA and 10 federal agencies, marks a significant step in creating a shared national research infrastructure. It is a collaborative effort combining the strengths of the private sector, non-profit and philanthropic organizations. This alliance of diverse partners underscores the urgency of developing a National AI Research Resource for the future of AI in America.
Transforming the AI landscape
The launch of the NAIRR is consistent with President Biden’s Executive Order 14110, signed in October 2023, directing NSF to begin the pilot project within 90 days. NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan emphasized the importance of the project, saying the initiative will strengthen the United States’ global competitiveness in AI research.
This initiative will provide US-based researchers and educators with access to advanced computing resources, datasets, models, software, training and user support. The focus is not only on high-end research centers, but also on smaller, rural and underrepresented institutions, democratizing AI innovation across a wide range of scientific communities.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the transformative potential of AI, stressing the need for widespread access to its capabilities. In addition to supporting fundamental AI research, NVIDIA’s involvement extends to improving educational and workforce training programs in AI literacy and skill development.
The objectives of the pilot program are multi-faceted, focusing on safe, secure and reliable AI, with applications spanning healthcare, environmental science and infrastructure sustainability. Researchers can apply for initial access to NAIRR pilot resources through NSF, and the program is open to further collaboration with the private sector and nonprofit organizations.
The impact of collaboration
The NAIRR pilot symbolizes a unified approach to AI research involving various government organizations such as the US Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Administration for Oceans and Atmosphere, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, US Patent and Trade Office, and Department of Defense.
This collaboration recalls the United States’ historic leadership in large-scale scientific endeavors, positioning the country at the forefront of global AI advances. As the pilot program progresses, it aims to demonstrate that future NAIRR investments will democratize access to AI innovation and support the development of reliable AI.
Conclusion
The partnership between NVIDIA and NSF in the NAIRR pilot program is a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing technological frontiers. By pooling resources, expertise and vision, this initiative promises to change the landscape of AI research and development by making it more accessible, accountable and impactful.
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