Intel, Dell Technologies and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) are announcing the AI Incubator Network, a new initiative from Intel’s AI for Workforce program that will design and build artificial intelligence (AI) labs across the country by utilizing the expertise and industry connections of America’s community college system. The partnership is opening applications for community colleges that would like to participate in the AI Incubator Network by designing and building their own AI incubators as physical laboratories, on virtual platforms or in hybridized models.
Community colleges that join the AI Incubator Network can participate in discussions, connect on economic development, strategize on student engagement into AI programming, share lessons about student projects between the participating colleges, and gather best practices from the field of AI Incubation as identified by AACC, Intel, Dell and other industry partners. The labs will also provide students with more access to AI equipment, tools and resources, and foster the skills needed for future jobs.
Ten colleges will be selected for 12-month grants of $40,000 each to build out their AI labs.
“Building upon Intel’s partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges and Dell by establishing incubators for emerging technology education across the U.S. will provide greater access to critically needed technical skills and training in AI. This specialized program is a starting point for the next generation of U.S. technologists, engineers and inventors to expand their innovative thinking and go on to land careers in all sectors of the digital economy.”
Intel is providing $400,000 in funding as part of its RISE Technology Initiative (IRTI) which reviews and funds projects related to health care, education and the economy with dedicated workstreams for social equity, human rights, accessibility and climate action. Intel has committed to expand digital readiness to reach 30 million people in 30,000 institutions in 30 countries. This commitment is part of Intel’s 2030 Goals and the company’s dedication to using tech as a force for good, underscoring its aim to make technology fully inclusive and to expand digital readiness worldwide.