Adrian JTLDR: The National Science Foundation (NSF) and 15 private sector partners, including Microsoft and Nvidia, are collaborating on the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), a pilot program launched by the Biden administration to democratize access to AI research. Through the NAIRR, US-based AI researchers can apply for access to AI models, computing power, datasets, software, and training that are typically expensive and require research funding. The program aims to ensure the US remains a leading AI innovation hub in the world.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and 10 other government agencies are partnering with Microsoft, Nvidia, and other private sector companies to launch the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR). This pilot program is part of President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI and aims to democratize access to AI research. The NAIRR provides US-based AI researchers with access to AI models, computing power, datasets, software, and training. Researchers can apply for access to the NAIRR pilot through its website, with a second call for research proposals planned for the spring. The government is collaborating with 15 private sector partners, including Amazon Web Services, Google, IBM, and Microsoft, among others. Microsoft has donated $20 million in Azure credits, while Nvidia has committed to providing access to its DGX Cloud and AI Enterprise software.
The NAIRR pilot will initially focus on four areas: enabling access to diverse AI resources, enabling AI research that requires security and privacy, facilitating interoperability between AI platforms, and educating and training communities in using AI tools. The first projects under the NAIRR will concentrate on using AI in healthcare and environmental sustainability. The Biden administration’s goal with NAIRR is to ensure the US remains the leading AI innovation hub in the world. While the US currently leads investment and research into generative AI, other countries like China, the UK, Japan, and Germany are also increasing their focus on AI development.
