Intel Unveils First AI Incubator Lab
Intel's AI for Workforce program, an effort to promote workforce skills in artificial intelligence through partnerships with community colleges, governments and other organizations, has announced its first AI incubator lab. Housed at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, part of Arizona's Maricopa County Community College District, the facility is outfitted with $60,000 worth of Intel equipment, including workstations and AI software tools, that will help give students hands-on experience with AI technologies.
The lab will support courses such as Introduction to Machine Learning, AI for Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing and AI for Business, in which students will develop skills such as data collection, AI model training, coding and exploring the societal impact of AI technology, according to a news announcement.
Earlier this year, Intel set a goal to build a network of artificial intelligence incubators at community colleges across the country, in partnership with Dell Technologies and the American Association of Community Colleges. The new AI incubator lab in Arizona is the first of its kind in the U.S., the company said.
"We are committed to the re-skilling of the American workforce and to advancing diversity and inclusion to ensure that the next generation of technologists are prepared and provided opportunities for AI education," said Michelle Johnston Holthaus, Intel executive vice president and general manager of the Client Computing Group, in a statement. "Our goal is to make this program available in all 50 states by 2023. We are grateful for our partners, including Maricopa County Community College District, Dell and the State of Arizona, for joining with us to help increase digital readiness of our future workforces."
"Within the last two years, we have been able to see our students gain new AI skills, and we are proud to have our first graduating class from the AI program this spring," commented MCCCD Chancellor Steven Gonzales. "This lab is critical to providing the necessary tools for their education, and we are appreciative of Intel, Dell and the State of Arizona for the designated space so our faculty and students can thrive."
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