My View: Nothing artificial about Arizona’s progress in AI, IT and computer science
At times it’s hard to imagine how far our imaginations can take us.
Take, for example, artificial intelligence, or AI as it is more commonly known.
No doubt your introduction to AI happened not that long ago with a scare story about how it would take all of our jobs. And many of us believed the tall tale. But as we learned more, we came to realize that AI actually would save us from the tedium of repetitive tasks.
For some students, that translated into someone — or something — else taking on the chore of writing term papers. While we have to give the budding scholars credit for jumping into the AI pool with both feet, savvy teachers and smart software began derailing the practice so actual learning can continue.
Believe it or not, this scenario still was pointing us toward the best use of AI. No, not cheating. I’m referring to augmenting performance. That is, improved productivity and support for innovation.
Arizona actually is poised to play a major role in AI’s taking productivity and innovation to new heights.
You may have heard the news that TSMC is about to make its mark at the advanced semiconductor manufacturing campus taking shape in the northwest Valley. Grabbing recent headlines was the company’s announcement that it was pumping an additional $100 billion into the project, bringing its total investment to $165 billion in Arizona.
But it gets better.
Nvidia AI chips to be made in Arizona
TSMC already has announced one of the customers at the site is Nvidia. The Business Journal recently reported that the contract manufacturer will be producing Nvidia’s Blackwell AI superchip, which is designed for generative AI, as well as accelerated computing applications.
The superchip is the brain of a recently unveiled mini supercomputer that will enable AI developers to prototype, fine-tune and bring to life AI models. Oh, the price? $3,000. Peanuts when you consider the possibilities of discoveries to come from just one machine. A close friend of mine refers to this as a “backpack supercomputer for AI.”
When I say we’ve only scratched the surface about the possibilities of AI, I’m not blowing things out of proportion. And there really is room for all of us on this ride that seems to get faster every day.
Whether you are taking your place on the AI express or want to know about the trends in the related fields of computing and information technology, you are not alone. Fortunately, the Arizona Technology Council can help.
Consider this your invitation to our inaugural TechFusion: AI, IT, and Computer Science Conference on March 25 at Grand Canyon University.
We’ve designed this event with a cross-section of audience members in mind. That includes industry professionals such as software developers, data scientists and IT managers who want to incorporate new technologies into their work. Business leaders and entrepreneurs will gain insights on how to leverage AI and IT innovations as they compete in the changing landscape. For policymakers and educators, the statewide and educational impacts of these transformative technologies will be covered.
The opening keynote will be delivered by Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who will discuss the intersection of AI, cybersecurity and technology policy. Fontes recently released the findings of the Artificial Intelligence and Election Security Advisory Committee that he convened last year.
Panel topics will include Shaping the Future: How AI Will Transform Business in the Next Three Years, AI Policy Update, The Future of Datacenters in Arizona, and Information Technology. In addition, Arizona Commerce Authority will deliver a presentation and exhibitors will be on hand.
It’s almost hard to imagine how far we have come in AI, IT and computer science in Arizona. But there’s no need to rely on our imaginations to learn how we have reached this point and even where we are headed. It’s all very real.
Steve Zylstra is president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council.