National Science Foundation Launches Pilot Program to Democratize AI Research
The National Science Foundation (NSF), along with 10 other government agencies, is partnering with artificial intelligence (AI) developers to fulfill President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI. The initiative, known as the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), aims to increase access to AI research by providing US-based researchers with resources such as AI models, computing power, datasets, software, and training. By democratizing access to these resources, the administration hopes to drive economic growth and ensure the US remains a leader in AI innovation.
Access to Expensive AI Resources for Researchers
The NAIRR pilot program offers researchers the opportunity to use expensive and processing-power-intensive services like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Bedrock, which are typically funded through research grants. Researchers can apply for access to these resources through the NAIRR website, and a second call for research proposals is expected to open in the spring. The program aims to level the playing field by providing equal opportunities for researchers across the country, regardless of their funding limitations.
Government Agencies and Private Sector Partners Collaborate on NAIRR
Alongside the NSF, several other government agencies are involved in the NAIRR initiative, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), NASA, and the Department of Energy. The government is also collaborating with 15 private sector partners, including Amazon Web Services, Google, IBM, and Nvidia. By bringing together expertise from both the public and private sectors, NAIRR aims to foster collaboration and drive innovation in AI research.
Contributions by Nvidia and Microsoft to NAIRR
Both Nvidia and Microsoft have made significant contributions to the NAIRR program. Microsoft has donated $20 million in Azure credits, access to models in the Azure OpenAI Service, and resources to work on AI fairness, accuracy, and privacy. Nvidia, on the other hand, is providing access to its DGX Cloud and AI Enterprise software. These contributions from industry leaders will greatly enhance the resources available to researchers participating in the NAIRR pilot program.
Biden’s AI Executive Order and the Global Competition in AI Development
President Biden’s AI executive order directed government agencies to establish NAIRR to maintain the US as the leading AI innovation hub globally. While companies like Google and OpenAI continue to drive AI investment and research in the US, other countries including China, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany are increasing their focus on AI development. To stay ahead, it is crucial for the US to ensure it remains at the forefront of AI innovation and research.
Collaborative Efforts Raise Regulatory Concerns
The close collaboration between the government and major tech players such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI has raised concerns about potential regulatory capture in the AI industry. In the absence of clear regulations, these companies have voluntarily agreed to develop AI systems safely. However, the launch of NAIRR does not eliminate these concerns, and it remains important for the government to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring the responsible use of AI technology.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) program, democratizing access to AI research resources. This will ignite economic growth and ensure the US remains a leader in AI innovation.
Market impact: The market for AI research and development is expected to grow as more researchers gain access to expensive AI resources. Collaboration between government agencies and private sector partners will drive innovation further.
