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Georgia Tech Launches AI Makerspace with NVIDIA

Students engaged in innovative projects within the Georgia Tech AI Makerspace, leveraging advanced computing resources.

News Summary

Georgia Tech has partnered with NVIDIA to launch the first AI Makerspace dedicated to student use, featuring a supercomputer that democratizes access to advanced computing resources. Open to all students, the Makerspace facilitates diverse academic engagement with AI technologies and includes student-developed tools like an AI tutoring system. The initiative significantly boosts GPU availability and supports projects addressing real-world challenges across sectors such as healthcare, energy, and transportation, reinforcing Georgia Tech’s commitment to AI education and workforce development in Georgia.

Atlanta – Georgia Tech has partnered with NVIDIA to launch an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) Makerspace, which is the first supercomputer dedicated specifically to student use. This groundbreaking initiative aims to democratize access to powerful supercomputing resources that have traditionally been restricted to large technology firms and startups.

The AI Makerspace is open to all students at Georgia Tech, facilitating a significant transition in student accessibility to high-performance computing. This move allows students from diverse academic backgrounds to engage with and utilize advanced AI technologies, positioning them more favorably for future workforce challenges.

A dedicated team of approximately 60 students is actively developing various tools and user interfaces to enhance the Makerspace. Current projects include an AI-driven tutoring system called StudyBuddy and a virtual assistant chatbot. These tools aim to simplify the experience for users and provide support in their academic endeavors.

According to Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera, integrating AI tools into the educational experience is essential for equipping students with the necessary skills for their careers. The computing capacity of the AI Makerspace has seen a substantial increase, growing from 160 GPUs to more than 300, significantly boosting the available resources for students.

During the Fall 2024 semester, the AI Makerspace recorded over 215,000 hours of GPU usage, a value surpassing $1 million had the services been acquired from third-party cloud providers. This extensive usage highlights the demand and importance of advanced computing resources for students undertaking projects that address real-world issues.

Georgia Tech’s commitment to AI education is exemplified by its status as a leading institution in producing AI professionals, as indicated by a recent report from JLL. The Makerspace supports various student initiatives, including projects tailored to tackle pressing challenges in sectors such as healthcare, energy, and transportation.

One notable project, PatchPals, developed by biomedical engineering students, aims to improve wound care by automating the foam cutting process. Additionally, students are working on creating a digital twin of the AI Makerspace to monitor its energy use and environmental effects, particularly as energy demands from data centers continue to grow.

Further advancements involve students devising AI algorithms designed to enhance sustainability and performance in autonomous and electric vehicle technologies. This initiative aligns with the university’s broader educational framework that includes an AI minor available to students across various fields of study.

In addition to Georgia Tech’s educational efforts, workforce training programs in Georgia have been positively impacting local economies. The state’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs reflect significant academic and employment outcomes, with participants achieving a 22% higher graduation rate and a 23% higher postsecondary placement rate compared to those who do not participate.

Furthermore, Goodwill North Georgia recently celebrated the graduation of 370 individuals from its workforce training program, with over 40% successfully securing employment following their training. Goodwill North Georgia’s mission focuses on assisting underemployed individuals, having connected over 22,000 people to jobs over the past year.

Support for Goodwill North Georgia has come in the form of significant grants, including $300,000 from the Coca-Cola Foundation and $200,000 from the Truist Foundation, aimed at bolstering specialized programs that aid workforce development. The initiatives by both Georgia Tech and Goodwill North Georgia illustrate a collaborative approach between educational and workforce entities to address the evolving demands of the local economy.