#198 Sethuraman Panchanathan: How The U.S. National Science Foundation is Shaping the Future of AI

This episode is sponsored by Oracle. AI is revolutionizing industries, but needs power without breaking the bank. Enter Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI): the one-stop platform for all your AI needs, with 4-8x the bandwidth of other clouds. Train AI models faster and at half the cost. Be ahead like Uber and Cohere.   If you want to do more and spend less like Uber, 8x8, and Databricks Mosaic - take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/eyeonai     In this episode of the Eye on AI podcast, join us as we sit down with Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), where we explore the impact of AI on research and innovation.   Dr. Panchanathan delves into his journey from PhD student in machine learning to leading one of the most pivotal science organizations in the world. With a background in vector quantization and neural networks, his extensive experience positions him at the forefront of AI advancements.   Discover how the NSF is revolutionizing AI through strategic investments and initiatives like the AI Institutes and the National AI Research Resource (NAIR). Dr. Panchanathan explains how these programs democratize access to cutting-edge computational resources, fostering innovation across diverse regions and disciplines.   Learn about NSF's $828 million investment in AI for 2023 and the agency's unique approach to allocating funds across various scientific domains. Dr. Panchanathan shares insights on the importance of partnerships with industries, educational institutions, and international bodies, emphasizing the need for a collaborative ecosystem to drive AI progress.   He also touches on the role of AI in addressing societal challenges and the ethical considerations in AI development.   Tune in to understand how NSF is leading the charge in AI research and development, ensuring the US remains at the cutting edge of technological innovation.   Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more deep dives into the technologies shaping our world.     Stay Updated: Craig Smith Twitter: https://twitter.com/craigss Eye on A.I. Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOn_AI This episode is sponsored by Vanta, The security and compliance platform trusted by more than 7,000 customers.With Vanta, you can unify your security program management with a built-in risk register and reporting, and proactively manage security reviews with AI-powered security questionnaires.   Listeners get $1,000 off Vanta at https://vanta.com/eyeonai (00:00) Preview and Introduction (02:31) Dr. Panchanathan's Background and Path to NSF (05:45) Overview of NSF's Funding and Research Initiatives (08:17) AI Funding and Allocation Strategy at NSF (11:57) Importance of AI Institutes and Collaborative Efforts (14:55) Democratizing AI Access through NAIR (20:04) NAIR Pilot Projects and Partnerships (24:23) Accessing Compute Resources via NAIR (27:43) Scaling NAIR and Future Projections (30:14) Broader NSF Funding Allocation and Strategic Planning (33:34) Utilizing AI for NSF Operations (37:09) International Collaborations and Comparisons (42:05) Staying Ahead in Global Research Investments (46:03) Focus on Innovation and Talent Development (48:40) Regional Innovation Engines and Future Plans for NSF