The National Science Foundation today announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence infrastructure pilot program that will help provide access to advanced computing resources to more researchers and schools across the United States.

The NSF launched the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource program as a step toward helping realize a vision of opening up AI technologies strengthening and opening access beyond large corporations and well-funded universities.

To do this, the NSF partnered with notable federal agencies including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, among others. Corporate giants also joined the NSF in the program including OpenAI, Meta Platforms Inc., Nvidia Corp., IBM Corp. and Microsoft Corp. In total, the agency partnered with 10 other federal agencies and 25 privacy sector, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.

“The breadth of partners that have come together for this pilot underscores the urgency of developing a National AI Research Resource for the future of AI in America,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “To continue leading in AI research and development, we must create opportunities across the country to advance AI innovation and strengthen educational opportunities, empowering the nation to shape international standards and igniting economic growth.”

The formation of the pilot program follows President Biden’s executive order in October, which called for new guidelines for safety in the development of AI and the creation of a program that would open access to AI technology to more people. As part of the executive order, the formation of such a program would “catalyze AI research in the U.S.” and provide AI researchers and students access to key resources and data.

The pilot program’s operations will focus on four areas: NAIRR Open, which will provide open AI research through a pilot portal; NAIRR Secure, co-led by the National Institutes of Health and Department of Education, to enable research into privacy-preserving resources; NAIRR Software, which will investigate interoperable use of AI software, tools and services; and NAIRR Classroom, which will perform outreach to new communities through education, training and user support.

Industry partners such as Nvidia, OpenAI and Meta will provide model access, educational resources and community support. They will also be available for educational resources for experimentation, researcher collaboration, technical training and workshops. According to Forbes, Microsoft and Nvidia will donate $20 million and $30 million, respectively, in cloud and infrastructure credits to the program. OpenAI will donate up to $1 million in model access credits for projects related to AI safety and societal impact.

Researchers can discover and apply for initial access to NAIRR resources today at the pilot program portal. A second, larger call for proposals from researchers will be announced in spring 2024, when researchers can apply for access to all NAIRR pilot program resources.

Image: National Science Foundation