Emory and Georgia Tech commit more than $1 billion to AI

The universities describe the spending as a joint effort to build an AI ecosystem in Atlanta.[1] Emory’s commitment is approximately $600 million, and Georgia Tech’s exceeds $575 million.[1] They say the investment is intended to strengthen Atlanta’s ability to compete for business growth, skilled workers, investment and federal research funding.[1] The institutions also say their combined strengths are intended to help make Atlanta a leading AI hub, support discoveries and ventures, and contribute to economic growth.[1] Those are stated aims; the announcement does not report that the expected regional outcomes have already been achieved.

Georgia Tech says its AI investments focus on advanced computing, AI discovery and workforce development.[1] Its planned infrastructure includes computing facilities in Tech Square, a campuswide platform and a new AI supercomputer called Nexus.[1] Georgia Tech said Nexus would launch in October.[1] The computing infrastructure is jointly funded by Georgia Tech, industry and the National Science Foundation, and provides resources for students, faculty and researchers using AI to address challenges.[1] Georgia Tech also says its AI Makerspace offers hands-on AI experience to more than 6,000 students each year.[1]

Emory says its investments support AI talent, health care innovation and technology applications in medicine, business, law, the humanities and ethics.[1] Nearly half of its approximately $600 million investment has gone toward recruiting and retaining talent and experts in Atlanta.[1] Emory’s AI.Humanity initiative brings together more than 250 faculty members across eight schools and colleges.[1] Emory Healthcare is already using AI to enhance patient care, while Emory’s AI.Health institute applies AI to cancer, kidney disease and other health challenges.[1] AI.Health has contributed to three spinoff companies and 40 licensed technologies.[1]

The universities say they will collaborate on research partnerships, talent development, industry engagement and AI-enabled innovation.[1] Georgia Tech’s AI ecosystem includes National Science Foundation AI Institutes working on areas such as energy, supply chains, health care, aging and education.[1] Its Tech AI program brings companies and government partners together with researchers to accelerate AI adoption in industry and government.[1] Emory’s AI + You Georgia program provides free AI education and workforce training to communities across Georgia.[1] The institutions also said Avant South would convene business and technology leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and government and civic leaders that fall.[1]