University of Florida Launches $150M Tech Center Fueled by Nvidia Cofounder Chris Malachowsky's Support

The University of Florida (UF) officially opened Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology today in Gainesville, Florida. This $150 million, seven-story facility was made possible by generous donations from Nvidia, its co-founder Chris Malachowsky, and the state of Florida.

Malachowsky Hall aims to set a new benchmark for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, enhancing the artificial intelligence (AI) and data science workforce. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the building's dedication, showcasing its role as a multidisciplinary space for medicine, pharmacy, and engineering. It will facilitate advancements in computing, communication, and cyber technologies while integrating AI throughout UF's curriculum.

“This building will not only advance the future of science; it symbolizes the potential of universities to create a brighter future,” stated UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini. "It will propel AI education and research, improving lives and fostering economic growth locally and globally."

Chris Malachowsky, one of Nvidia's founders alongside Jensen Huang (CEO) and Curtis Priem, played a pivotal role in the building's design, collaborating closely with architects on its facade. The project received substantial backing, including $110 million from the state and additional private investments. Jensen Huang was also slated to participate in a fireside chat at the school today.

“The fields of AI and data science are vital in building a better world,” Malachowsky expressed. “I’m proud to support UF’s world-class capabilities in these domains, fostering talent and interdisciplinary collaboration during this unprecedented moment of opportunity.”

UF's HiPerGator AI supercomputer, backed by Malachowsky and Nvidia, positions UF as the first university in the U.S. to offer every student access to AI learning relevant to their fields. UF is recognized nationally for its innovative approach to developing a competitive AI workforce by collaborating with universities, colleges, and K-12 schools to effectively integrate AI into their educational frameworks.

In 2020, Malachowsky and Nvidia donated nearly $60 million for HiPerGator, one of the nation's most powerful AI supercomputers, equipped with 1,120 Nvidia A100 GPUs and accessible to UF’s 55,000 students. With recent state support, the university has hired over 110 additional AI faculty, complementing the existing 300 engaged in AI research and education.

“UF is equipping students and faculty with unprecedented tools and opportunities,” remarked UF President Ben Sasse. “This building is essential to our mission of becoming a leading research and teaching institution.”

Undergraduate and graduate students can access data analytics courses through the Informatics Institute’s data science certificate programs, designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and equip students to tackle complex challenges effectively.