A consortium comprising U.S. government agencies and private collaborators is embarking on the utilization of billions in federal funding to develop accessible tools for up-and-coming AI researchers and engineers. This initiative, known as the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), is set to launch imminently, albeit initially in a virtual capacity.
The response by the Biden administration to the swift evolution of AI within the global technology sphere, counterbalancing the dominance of a handful of tech behemoths and privately-backed startups, is the establishment of NAIRR. The federal decision-makers opted to allocate funds to democratize access to a range of resources for eligible researchers, aiming to bolster technological advancements and maintain the United States’ competitive edge against international counterparts.
Key collaborators in this endeavor include the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, NASA, NOAA, DARPA, and various others. These entities not only provide resources such as datasets and consultations but also engage with applicants within their specialized domains. Furthermore, over 20 major tech corporations are contributing in some capacity. The project is slated to receive an annual budget of $800 million over the next three years, pending congressional approval.
Experts from prominent entities like OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are actively involved in furthering the objectives of NAIRR through diverse contributions.
Rather than a predetermined list of tools available universally, the approach involves reviewing applications and proposals to allocate resources based on merit. This process resembles a grant allocation mechanism more than an open-access repository.
Katie Antypas from the NSF emphasizes that NAIRR aims to provide the research community with essential resources like computing power, data, models, and training tools crucial for advancing the AI landscape. The metaphorical “aircraft” symbolizes the initial step in bridging the accessibility gap for various stakeholders essential to fostering a robust and ethical AI ecosystem.
The pilot phase of NAIRR will concentrate on four primary areas over a two-year period:
- NAIRR Open: Encompassing a broad spectrum of AI resources for diverse research and projects.
- NAIRR Secure: Focusing on AI applications in sensitive sectors like healthcare and vital infrastructure, managed by organizations like NIH and Energy.
- NAIRR Software: Emphasizing tools, platforms, services, and interoperability.
- NAIRR Classroom: Targeting outreach, knowledge dissemination, and educational initiatives.
While the absence of a dedicated military research category might raise eyebrows, it is clarified that civilian research efforts are overseen by executive agencies, with military entities providing support as needed. Innovative proposals related to AI advancements are encouraged, although the process does not resemble a traditional library setup.
Although specific figures are not disclosed, project leaders anticipate accepting 25 to 50 proposals during the initial phase, with additional opportunities expected in the upcoming months as more systems are integrated. Interested parties can access the list of resources on the NAIRR Pilot page effective immediately.
