Partnering For AI Discovery And Innovation
Prominent artificial intelligence (AI) chip manufacturer Nvidia, in collaboration with the US National Science Foundation (NSF), is set to support an innovative AI research program. The upcoming National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot project aims to promote broader access to the fundamental tools critical for expanding “responsible AI discovery and innovation.”
In a significant commitment, the chip maker reportedly pledged a $30 million donation to the project’s infusion of cutting-edge technology over the next two years. Furthermore, the initiative aims to harness researchers’ collective creativity by offering a suitable environment to pursue responsible and innovative AI solutions.
Beyond providing financial support, Nvidia also seeks relevant insights from researchers using its systems. This reciprocal arrangement strives to improve the technology’s efficacy through a dynamic exchange of knowledge and skills.
In addition to the funding contribution, Nvidia is making its formidable NVIDIA DGX Cloud AI supercomputing resources and advanced NVIDIA AI Enterprise tools available to aid the research initiative.
Other Collaborations
Meanwhile, the NAIRR program has broadened its collaborative reach by partnering with ten more US parastatals. Notable donors include the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
This varied coalition demonstrates the government agencies’ overall commitment to advancing AI capabilities in the United States. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the National Science Foundation, underlines the pressing “urgency” of establishing critical resources for the advancement of AI in America.
By investing in AI research through the NAIRR project, the United States is prepared to identify new areas of technology for broader societal advancements, ultimately increasing its global competitiveness in the ever-changing artificial intelligence landscape.
Meanwhile, Katie Antypas, Director of the NSF’s Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure, envisions NAIRR expanding into a comprehensive resource hub providing researchers and communities access to critical infrastructures. Such infrastructures include computing power, data, models, and software.
This strategy is consistent with the aims outlined in the Biden administration’s executive order on AI, which was issued in October 2023 and directed the NSF to unveil the NAIRR test version within three months.
Supporting Research For Safe AI
According to the NSF, it prioritizes research funding that promotes the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence. Its strategic focus includes projects to improve AI testing, evaluation, and verification procedures.
Other focus areas include improving model performance accuracy and dependability and advancing the capacity to ensure intended model behavior. In parallel, the NAIRR project, spearheaded by the NSF, is intended to widen the scope of AI research by opening access to AI research prospects beyond traditional academic and private-sector laboratories.
Furthermore, the pilot phase will provide computing and data resources for universities, creating a more inclusive and enabling setting for AI research and development. Nvidia continues its partnership endeavors. Recall that it teamed up with Equinix, a renowned data center operator, earlier in the week to provide Equinix’s business clients with access to Nvidia’s advanced AI supercomputing capabilities.
