Drexel Joins Statewide Effort To Translate AI and Quantum Computing Research Into Jobs, Innovation and Economic Growth

Drexel Joins Statewide Effort To Translate AI and Quantum Computing Research Into Jobs, Innovation and Economic Growth

• Teens Are Becoming Concerned About Their Attachment to AI Chatbots
• Eunice E. Santos Appointed Inaugural Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing
• Drexel Researchers Discover Liquids Have a Breaking Point
• Atwater-NCC-250anniversary

Drexel University will team up with the six other top research universities in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center and the economic development nonprofit Team Pennsylvania, in an effort to position the commonwealth to benefit from the economic growth driven by quantum computing and artificial intelligence technologies. The initiative, called the Keystone AI + Quantum Factory, will create a statewide network with the goal of leveraging AI and quantum computing to translate university research into practical solutions for Pennsylvania's key industries.

"Drexel is so excited to be collaborating with our fellow R1 institutions across the Commonwealth, the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Team Pennsylvania as we partner on efforts to accelerate discovery and real-world impact in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies," said Aleister Saunders, PhD, Drexel's executive vice provost for Research & Innovation and interim executive dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. "By aligning our talent, infrastructure and research strengths, we can move faster, think bigger and ensure that these transformative technologies advance economic growth, national competitiveness and the public good."

The initiative marks the first time all seven of the commonwealth's R1 research institutions - Drexel, Carnegie Mellon University, Lehigh University, The Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh - have aligned around a shared vision to create large scale artificial intelligence and quantum technologies for Pennsylvania's businesses and workers.

"Bringing together Pennsylvania's top research universities, the Keystone AI + Quantum Factory will accelerate breakthroughs in technologies that are shaping the future of our economy," said Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for Technology and Entrepreneurship Jen Gilburg. "This initiative will turn world-class research into new companies, high-quality jobs and economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration will continue to spur innovation and create jobs and opportunity for Pennsylvanians."

The Keystone AI + Quantum Factory will focus on three interconnected pillars, designed to drive economic growth:

• World Class Research: Using new tools to drive cutting-edge research, launch start-ups and build smart partnerships with businesses across the commonwealth.
• Workforce Development: Preparing students and employees across Pennsylvania for future-focused careers integrating technology.
• Shared Infrastructure: Delivering large scale GPU/CPU computing and data resources that are needed to lead in the era of AI as well as supporting leadership in emerging technologies.

By pooling resources, the Keystone AI + Quantum factory will enable Pennsylvania to make coordinated investments in AI and advanced technologies with the goal of attracting businesses, talent and federal funding.

"This collaboration will serve as a powerful economic catalyst for Pennsylvania. It will transform groundbreaking research into solutions for the commonwealth's energy, manufacturing, agricultural, life sciences, AI and robotics sectors, while driving lasting job creation and building a future-proof workforce," said Barr von Oehsen, executive director of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center.

Participation in this initiative is the latest example of Drexel sharing its resources and thought leadership in the emerging field. The University is part of several federal initiatives to develop AI technology and safety measures, including the Department of Commerce's U.S. AI Safety Consortium, the Office of Science and Technology's National AI Research Resource Pilot program and the National Science Foundation's Adult Learning & Online Education Institute.

Drexel researchers are leading the way in studying the impact of the technology in learning environments, as well as shedding light on its social and psychological effects.

For more than a decade, Drexel researchers have led efforts to develop the technology for health care applications, ranging from sharing medical notes, to detecting Alzheimer's disease and premature brain aging, to interpreting ultrasound imaging and even reminding medical personnel to wear a mask.

They have also led the way in testing AI in the field - from using it to identify manipulated images and video, to spotting the early signs of gentrification, to flagging problems with aging buildings and infrastructure.

And Drexel's new undergraduate degree program in artificial intelligence and machine learning - made possible through the University's academic transformation - will enroll its first class next fall.

"Drexel has emerged as a recognized leader in thinking about, wielding and understanding the impact of this new technology," Saunders said. "The Keystone AI + Quantum Factory will be both a force multiplier for our work, as well as a conduit for getting it to the citizens who can benefit from it."

For more information about the Keystone AI + Quantum Factory, visit: https://keystonefactory.org/

In This Article