### This Week's Top Stories in AI
#### Nvidia and Georgia Tech Collaborate on an AI Supercomputer for Students
Nvidia is partnering with Georgia Tech’s College of Engineering to develop a cutting-edge AI supercomputer designed specifically for student use. Named AI Makerspace, this initiative provides undergraduate students access to advanced hardware typically reserved for research professionals. Students will work with a computing cluster featuring 20 Nvidia HGX H100s, totaling 160 GPUs, which will significantly enhance their AI and machine learning projects. The computing power is astounding; a single GPU can perform a multiplication operation in just one second—an effort that would take 50,000 students 22 years to accomplish.
“The AI Makerspace will provide a technological upgrade equivalent to switching from an etch-a-sketch to an iPad,” remarked Arijit Raychowdhury, a professor and the Steve W. Chaddick school chair of electrical and computer engineering. He emphasized the transformative impact this technology will have on students. With remote access to this cluster, Georgia Tech describes the offering as a “digital sandbox,” allowing students to explore and understand AI within their academic environment.
#### Microsoft Commits $2.9 Billion to Elevate Cloud and AI Infrastructure in Japan
In a major move to strengthen its presence in Japan, Microsoft has announced a $2.9 billion investment aimed at enhancing the country's cloud and AI infrastructure. This investment, Microsoft's largest to date in Japan, seeks to improve local computing capabilities, elevate skills among the workforce, promote AI research, and bolster cybersecurity measures. By doubling its existing financial commitments, this initiative will expand Japan's access to the latest technologies, including powerful GPUs essential for local AI projects.
Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, highlighted the significance of this investment: “This announcement represents Microsoft’s most significant investment in Japan since we set roots here in 1978. These investments in digital infrastructure, AI skills, cybersecurity, and AI research are crucial for Japan to foster a robust AI economy.”
#### AI System for Early Detection of Parkinson's Disease via Brain Waves
A groundbreaking study has revealed the development of an AI-powered system capable of detecting early indications of Parkinson's disease through brain wave recordings. Collaborating researchers from universities in the UK, Denmark, and Australia have created an AI model that analyzes electroencephalograms (EEGs)—instruments that capture the brain's electrical activity.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting over 10 million people globally, including one million in the United States. Current diagnoses largely depend on medical assessments, which can delay critical interventions. The new AI system enhances detection capabilities, enabling clinicians to identify Parkinson's at earlier stages, thus improving the quality of life for patients. By identifying anomalies in EEG readings, this innovative technology provides vital insights into the condition's presence and severity.
#### Andrew Ng Joins Amazon's Board in Light of AI Expansion
Renowned AI researcher and Google Brain co-founder Andrew Ng has joined Amazon's Board of Directors to support the company's ongoing AI initiatives. Effective April 9, Ng, also a professor at Stanford University and managing general partner of AI Fund, brings a wealth of experience in machine learning and robotics.
Amazon’s announcement noted that Ng's insights would bolster the company’s understanding of both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents and its potential to transform various sectors. With over 200 research papers to his name, Ng's expertise will contribute significantly to guiding Amazon through its evolving technological landscape.
#### South Korean Startup Upstage AI Secures $72 Million for Custom Large Language Models
Upstage AI, a South Korean startup, has successfully raised $72 million in Series B funding to develop tailored large language models for businesses. Founded in late 2020, Upstage specializes in customizing AI models for various domains, with its flagship Solar LLM model already in use across multiple industrial applications.
The funding round was led by Korean telecom giant KT, alongside significant contributions from SK Networks and Hana Ventures. Additional investors included Mirae Asset Venture Investment and IBK Securities, with this latest capital infusion bringing Upstage's total funding to over $100 million. The company plans to use the new funds to accelerate AI model development and establish a new office in San Jose, California, as part of its expansion into the U.S. market.
This compelling collection of AI advancements highlights the innovative strides being made in technology across educational, healthcare, and corporate sectors, each contributing to a transformative digital landscape.
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