Europe's AI supercomputers

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Today we will discuss-

• 📱Europe facilitates access to AI supercomputers for startups

• 📧Google commits $8M for Israeli AI firms and Palestinian ventures

• 🤖US National Science Foundation launches AI research program

• 😱11 amazing AI tools you might not have heard of

All this and more - Let's dive in!

👩‍🍳What’s cooking in the newsroom?

European Commission facilitates easier AI supercomputing access for startups

🗞️News - In a significant move to bolster the development of artificial intelligence within its startup ecosystem, the European Commission announced plans to streamline access to AI-dedicated supercomputers. The proposal, revealed on Wednesday, outlines the creation of a one-stop shop, aptly named AI Factories, designed to facilitate easier access for startups to crucial resources. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive support system for AI developers, offering assistance in the development of general-purpose AI models.

👩‍💻Any important detail? The announcement follows a recent landmark agreement between EU countries and lawmakers regarding regulations for large, powerful AI models, including those supported by tech giants such as Microsoft and Google. The newly proposed AI Factories will serve as hubs for AI startups and researchers, offering the necessary infrastructure for algorithm development, testing, and validation of large-scale AI models. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to enhance access to AI-dedicated supercomputers, a vital component in advancing AI capabilities.

EU Industry Chief Thierry Breton emphasized the holistic approach of AI Factories, bringing together essential components like computing power, data, algorithms, and talent. The launch of AI Factories signifies Europe's strategic commitment to positioning itself competitively in the global AI race, where it faces competition from technological powerhouses like the United States and China.

Google launches joint initiative to support AI innovation in Israel and Palestine

📰News - In a move aimed at supporting struggling businesses during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Google announced an $8 million investment split evenly between Israeli tech firms and Palestinian startups. The Alphabet-owned tech giant cited the need for financial assistance during these challenging times as the driving force behind the initiative.

For Israeli AI startups facing funding difficulties, Google's $4 million support fund comes as a welcome addition to the existing emergency fund established by the Israel Innovation Authority. This additional funding will target companies with limited financial reserves, helping them bridge the gap and stay afloat. Google aims to support around 20 AI startups in specific areas of solutions and services, with the exact distribution of funds determined by individual needs.

🎃What’s more? The Palestinian side of the investment sees Google collaborating with local and global non-profits to provide loans and grants to 1,000 small businesses. 50 tech startups in Palestinian areas will receive seed funding, aiming to bolster the local tech ecosystem and create new opportunities. This initiative aims to safeguard 4,500 existing jobs and foster the creation of new ones, contributing to economic stability and growth.

US National Science Foundation introduces pilot program for AI research resource

📻News - In a pivotal move towards a collective national research infrastructure, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot program. This ambitious initiative, announced alongside 10 partner agencies and several private-sector entities, aims to democratize access to the tools that fuel responsible AI research and innovation.

"The sheer amount of collaborators reflects the critical need for a national AI research infrastructure," stated NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. "Investing in AI through NAIRR paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries, strengthens US competitiveness, and unleashes transformative impact."

🧐Is NVIDIA playing a role?NVIDIA will be playing a crucial role in expanding the program's scope with a $30 million commitment over two years. This vital technology contribution fuels the potential for broader advancements and expedites the journey toward full-scale implementation.

"NAIRR envisions a national research infrastructure that democratizes access to computing, data, models, and software, empowering researchers and communities," explains Katie Antypas, director of the NSF's Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure.

"Our pilot program prioritizes three key goals: supporting fundamental AI research and applying AI in specific domains, engaging broader communities currently excluded from the AI ecosystem, and refining the design for a future, comprehensive NAIRR," Antypas adds.

👩🏼‍💻What else is happening?

• UK researchers use artificial intelligence to revolutionize traditional industries like farming

• Bill Gates is excited about rapidly advancing robotics, and says it won’t be taking all jobs

• Fintech giant Ant Group sets up AI unit led by former Google researcher

• Google settles AI-related chip patent lawsuit that sought $1.67 bln

• SK Hynix logs surprise Q4 profit, aims to be 'total AI memory chip provider'

 👩‍🏫Did you know?

• In 2016, three Chinese researchers concluded that Google's AI scored an IQ of 47.28, outperforming Baidu (32.92) and Microsoft's Bing (31.98), while also demonstrating double the IQ of Siri (23.94). Interestingly, even with these scores, none could outdo a 6-year-old with an IQ of 55.5.

• In 2018, an AI named Benjamin made a film titled "Zone Out," starring actor Thomas Middleditch. Within just 48 hours, Benjamin conceived the storyline, performed editing, selected music, and made all creative decisions, resulting in a movie created entirely by an AI.

• In 2021, Google claimed to have developed an AI that possesses the ability to design computer chips in less than 6 hours, a task that takes human designers several months.

👩🏼‍🚒Discover mind-blowing AI tools

1. Bluedot - A Chrome extension for Google Meet that allows users to record, transcribe, and summarize meetings for easy sharing

2. Fill 3D - Allows users to upload photos of empty rooms and generate realistic images by adding furniture and other elements

3. AI Steve - A tool that analyzes websites and provides ideas and strategies for improving products based on the user's needs

4. OpenGrant - An AI-powered tool that helps users write grant applications faster and more effectively

5. AI Emojis - A repository that generates a wide range of emojis using AI, and currently has over 158,000 emojis

6. WordMe - An AI-powered SEO writing tool that helps users create high-quality content optimized for search engines

7. XNote - A note-taking tool powered by ChatGPT that syncs handwritten notes to digital devices in real-time

8. Salk - An AI-powered workplace companion designed to enhance enterprise efficiency

9. MakeShorts - An AI-powered tool that allows users to turn YouTube videos into short clips

10. Twon - A node-based AI tool designed for modern marketing teams to enhance and improve their posts

11. Intervue - An app designed to help individuals improve their interview skills and prepare for job interviews

💁‍♀️AI-generated influencers

• Nobody Sausage is an animated AI sensation that has garnered millions of fans through lively dances, vibrant wigs, and animated skits. With 7.4 million Instagram followers, this whimsical character engages audiences with energetic virtual performances and entertaining antics.

• Good Advice Cupcake is a 2D AI-generated character by Buzzfeed. With 2.5 million followers on Instagram, she connects with a millennial audience through relatable stories about daily annoyances, fearlessly expressing her opinions to her followers.

• Janky and Guggimon are AI-generated sensations born from the Superplastic organization. With over 1 million Instagram followers, they've stormed the digital world. Guggimon, a mischievous rabbit, boasts collaborations with Fortnite and Gucci, while Janky, the daredevil, secured endorsements from Tinder, Prada, and Red Bull, achieving rapid fame in just a few short years.