National Science Foundation Unveils National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot Program
A Collaborative Initiative for Advancing AI Innovation
In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), in partnership with a diverse coalition of federal agencies, private sector entities, nonprofits, and philanthropic organizations, has launched the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot program. This initiative marks a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive national research infrastructure dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to broaden access to the tools and resources necessary to power responsible AI discovery and innovation.
Envisioning a National AI Research Infrastructure
The NAIRR pilot program represents a visionary endeavor to establish a comprehensive national research infrastructure dedicated to AI. This infrastructure will provide seamless access to computing resources, data, models, software, training, and user support, empowering researchers and communities to explore the frontiers of AI and drive transformative advancements. By fostering a shared national research environment, the NAIRR aims to accelerate AI innovation and position the United States at the forefront of global AI advancements.
Key Objectives of the NAIRR Pilot
The NAIRR pilot program has outlined several primary goals:
– Supporting fundamental AI research and domain-specific research utilizing AI
– Expanding the reach of AI research opportunities to broader communities, particularly those currently excluded from the AI innovation ecosystem
– Refining the design and framework for the future full-scale implementation of the NAIRR
Through these objectives, the NAIRR pilot program aims to establish a solid foundation for a national AI research infrastructure that promotes inclusivity, collaboration, and responsible AI development.
Accelerating Access to AI Resources
Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, the NAIRR pilot program seeks to democratize access to the resources and capabilities that fuel AI discovery and innovation. This includes providing researchers and educators with access to advanced computing infrastructure, datasets, models, software, training, and user support. By breaking down barriers to entry, the NAIRR aims to empower a diverse range of researchers and innovators to contribute to the advancement of AI.
NVIDIA’s $30 Million Commitment
NVIDIA, a leading technology company renowned for its contributions to AI and accelerated computing, has pledged $30 million in technology contributions over two years to support the NAIRR pilot program. This significant investment will play a pivotal role in expanding the scale and impact of the pilot, accelerating progress towards full-scale implementation. NVIDIA’s commitment underscores the importance of industry collaboration in driving AI innovation and building a robust national research infrastructure.
Harnessing NVIDIA’s Expertise and Resources
NVIDIA’s collaboration with scientific centers aims to significantly scale up educational and workforce training programs, fostering AI literacy and skill development across the scientific community. The company’s insights from researchers using its platform will contribute to refining and enhancing the effectiveness of its technology for scientific applications, driving continuous advancement in AI applications. NVIDIA’s expertise and resources will play a crucial role in empowering researchers to tackle complex challenges and drive groundbreaking discoveries in the field of AI.
Fostering a Foundation for Modern AI
NVIDIA’s contributions to the NAIRR pilot program encompass NVIDIA DGX Cloud AI supercomputing resources and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, providing a comprehensive foundation for generative AI. This full-stack accelerated computing platform, ranging from systems to software, has garnered significant adoption across research and industries, serving as a cornerstone for AI innovation. By leveraging NVIDIA’s technology, the NAIRR pilot program will provide researchers with access to state-of-the-art AI infrastructure, enabling them to push the boundaries of AI research and development.
Building a Coalition of Government Partners
The NAIRR pilot program has garnered broad support across the U.S. government, reflecting a unified approach to advancing AI research. Partner agencies include the U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, U.S. Patent and Trade Office, and the U.S. Department of Defense. This collaboration demonstrates the government’s commitment to investing in AI research and development, recognizing its transformative potential across various sectors.
Building on a Legacy of Scientific Leadership
The NAIRR pilot program draws inspiration from the United States’ rich history of leading large-scale scientific endeavors, such as the creation of the internet, which laid the groundwork for the advancement of AI. This initiative seeks to continue this legacy of scientific leadership by establishing a national research infrastructure dedicated to AI. By providing researchers with access to advanced AI resources and fostering collaboration, the NAIRR pilot program aims to position the United States at the forefront of global AI innovation.
Driving Innovations Across Sectors
The NAIRR pilot program holds the promise of driving transformative innovations across a wide range of sectors, from healthcare and environmental science to infrastructure sustainability. By providing researchers with access to advanced AI resources, the program aims to empower them to tackle complex challenges and develop novel solutions. The potential applications of AI are vast and span industries, offering the opportunity to revolutionize various aspects of our lives and society.
Meeting the Goals of Executive Order 14110
The launch of the NAIRR pilot program directly addresses a key goal outlined in Executive Order 14110, signed by President Biden in October 2023. This executive order directed the NSF to initiate a pilot for the NAIRR within 90 days, underscoring the urgency and importance of establishing a national research infrastructure for AI. The NAIRR pilot program serves as a tangible step towards fulfilling this directive and demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing AI research and innovation.
Providing Access to Advanced AI Resources
The NAIRR pilot program will provide U.S.-based researchers and educators with access to advanced computing resources, datasets, models, software, training, and user support. This comprehensive suite of resources is designed to empower researchers to tackle complex challenges and drive groundbreaking discoveries in the field of AI. By democratizing access to these resources, the NAIRR pilot program aims to foster a vibrant and inclusive AI research ecosystem.
Reaching Underserved Communities
The NAIRR pilot program is committed to reaching underserved communities, including smaller institutions, rural institutions, and institutions serving underrepresented populations. These communities often lack the resources to build their own computing or data resources, and the program aims to bridge this gap and democratize access to AI innovation. By providing targeted support and resources, the NAIRR pilot program seeks to ensure that all researchers have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of AI.
Paving the Way for Future Investments
The NAIRR pilot