AI Leaders Gather at International Summit, White House Seeks Public Input on AI Strategy, and CSU Pioneers AI Education

AI 101

Last week, business, government, and policy leaders met in Paris for the AI Action Summit. The gathering was an opportunity to discuss AI technology's latest developments, opportunities, and challenges on the global stage.

With heads of state from dozens of countries and leaders from companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI in attendance, the summit united prominent stakeholders and decision-makers in this space.?

To me, among the biggest takeaways from the gathering is the emerging public-private partnerships. AI innovators are working in tandem with governments to promote responsible, equitable, and transparent uses of AI.

For example, initiatives like Current AI have backing from governments around the world, leading tech companies, and nonprofit foundations. Current AI aims to expand access to open-source tools and infrastructure to empower local solutions and innovation in media, education, and health.

In addition, leaders announced a new nonprofit organization called ROOST (Robust Open Online Safety Tools), which aims to help companies access safety technologies that detect child abuse material on platforms like Roblox and Discord. The initiative combines the technology and expertise of AI companies, using large language models and existing infrastructure to ensure effective safeguards.

Public-private partnerships like these address critical challenges with fast-moving, responsible, and accessible AI solutions.

Read more about the Summit here.

White House seeks public input on AI strategy

Last week, the White House announced its “AI Action Plan,” an effort to seek public input on its federal AI strategy, as part of the Administration’s executive order issued in January.?

The AI Action Plan is set to be developed in the next 180 days and will incorporate feedback on federal AI policy from a variety of stakeholders — including academia, industry groups, private sector organizations, and others. The administration opened a page on the website of the Federal Register to solicit feedback.

The effort reflects the Administration’s vision of America as a global AI leader. As the technology grows, we should continue to prioritize responsible innovation so leading U.S. tech companies and venture-backed startups – many based here in Silicon Valley – can deploy and scale breakthrough AI tools quickly and effectively.?

California lawmaker hopes to codify National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource

Rep. Jay Obernolte recently said that he hopes to reintroduce the CREATE Act this year. As part of the proposed bill, Congress could establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR).

The NAIRR would provide shared research infrastructure to push forward on AI development and ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of innovation. Additionally, it would expand access to AI datasets to groups of researchers, start-ups, and others — leveraging America’s deep crop of talent to fuel rapid growth.

I believe that national AI investments can connect our nation’s best and accelerate new discoveries. As I wrote in a previous edition of SV-AI, strategic research, often driven by our global leading universities here in the Bay Area, are crucial to maintain American leadership on the world stage.

AI IRL: CSU unveils AI tools for students

California State University will make AI tools like Chat GPT available to its students and faculty at no personal cost. As part of the initiative, the University will be part of a new body called the AI Workforce Acceleration Board alongside representatives from the public and private sectors.?

CSU aims to prepare students for the use of AI in the workforce. Its educators, too, will incorporate the technology into lessons and research. The changes reflect the growing importance of embracing AI in education and ensuring that students can harness AI for productivity and creativity.?

With California leading the way on AI, I am glad to see our universities preparing the next generation for the workforce of the future.?

Final Thoughts

To close, I want to recommend the latest edition of SVLG’s Silicon Valley Vibes Podcast.?

In this edition, host Peter Leroe-Munoz, SVP of Tech and Innovation at SVLG, talks with Amit Bajaj, the president of TCS North America. The podcast is always a great listen and I enjoyed their conversation about the current state and future of operating models.

And, finally, Bay Area sports are on my mind as the countdown to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium begins and we just closed out the incredible NBA All Star Game events.

It has been an incredible honor to serve on the Bay Area Host Committee, and I was truly thrilled to witness the immense impact the recent NBA events brought to our region. The energy, excitement, and spotlight these events have shone on the Bay Area are unparalleled, and they have set the stage for even more remarkable moments to come.?Thank you to the Warriors and their amazing, indefatigable President Brandon Schneider.? And, a special thank you to Zaileen Janmohamed and Noah Wintroub for your continued inspiring leadership.?

With a Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup matches on the horizon, we’re in for an unforgettable year ahead in the Bay Area!

Thanks for reading and I will see you all next time.

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