MIT and IBM Partner to Establish $240 Million AI Research Lab

The new lab aims to tackle some of AI's greatest challenges, including cybersecurity challenges. Image: Flickr.

IBM and the MIT on Thursday revealed a new partnership to carry out fundamental and breakthrough artificial intelligence (AI) research. IBM will invest $240 million over 10 years to establish the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab — one of the largest long-term university-industry AI collaborations to date.

According to a university statement, the collaboration aims to:

  • Advance AI hardware, software and algorithms related to deep learning and other areas;
  • Increase AI’s impact on healthcare, cybersecurity and other industries; and
  • Investigate the economic and ethical implications of AI on society.  

Both partners have been pioneers in artificial intelligence research; the university claims the term “AI” was popularized by MIT researchers. Meanwhile, IBM has explored AI applications across industries for more than 20 years.

To learn more, visit the MIT News site or watch the video below.

About the Author

Sri Ravipati is Web producer for THE Journal and Campus Technology. She can be reached at [email protected].

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