Microsoft Joins National AI Research Resource Pilot, Expanding Innovation Collaboration

Microsoft supports the National AI Research Resource pilot, which aims to democratize access to crucial computational tools for AI researchers and engineers, in line with their commitment to advancing AI research and promoting collaboration and inclusivity in the field.

Microsoft's support for the NAIRR pilot aligns with their commitment to advancing AI research.
The initiative aims to democratize access to crucial computational tools for AI researchers and engineers in academia and non-profit sectors.
Microsoft's contribution of $20 million in Azure compute credits and access to models and resources demonstrates their dedication to the academic research community.

In a move that aligns with their commitment to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research, Microsoft has announced their support for the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot. This initiative, highlighted in the President’s Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, aims to democratize access to crucial computational tools for AI researchers and engineers in academia and non-profit sectors.

The NAIRR pilot seeks to level the playing field in AI research by providing greater computing resources in areas such as safety, reliability, security, privacy, environmental challenges, infrastructure, health care, and education. This initiative has long been advocated for by Microsoft, as it promises to stimulate innovation across diverse sectors and equalize opportunities in the field of AI research.

Having actively participated in the development of the NAIRR concept as a commissioner on the National Security Commission on AI (NSCAI), Microsoft is thrilled to see this vision become a tangible reality. Their support for the pilot program builds upon their ongoing dedication to the academic research community through various initiatives like the Turing Academic Program (MS-TAP) and Accelerate Foundation Models Research (AFMR) program.

As part of their commitment to the NAIRR pilot, Microsoft will contribute $20 million in Microsoft Azure compute credits. Additionally, they will provide access to models through Azure OpenAI Service, advanced resources for developing trustworthy AI, tools for research in AI fairness, accuracy, reliability, transparency, privacy, security, and model orchestration. Furthermore, Microsoft will offer resources for HIPAA-compliant computing in support of health care research and innovative tools for scientific discovery via Azure Quantum Elements. Collaborative opportunities with Microsoft’s scientists and engineers will also be made available.

By equipping the broader research community with these necessary resources, Microsoft aims to pioneer advancements at the forefront of AI innovation. The NAIRR pilot represents a significant step towards this goal, fostering collaboration and promoting an inclusive approach to AI innovation. Microsoft’s commitment to this initiative goes beyond mere technological investment; it is an investment in our collective future and a testament to the transformative power of collaboration in harnessing the full potential of AI for the betterment of humanity.

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Background Information

About Microsoft: Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.