What's Happening?
U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten has announced over $1 million in federal funding for Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to develop 'trustworthy' artificial intelligence. The announcement was made at a press briefing at the GVSU Richard M. DeVos
Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scholten was joined by GVSU President Philomena Mantella and Marouane Kessentini, Dean of the College of Computing. The funding will support the establishment of the West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium, which will operate within GVSU's College of Computing as part of the Blue Dot technology hub. This initiative aims to create AI systems that are transparent, responsible, and secure, aligning with the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology. Scholten emphasized the importance of guiding AI development thoughtfully to ensure it benefits communities and the workforce.
Why It's Important?
The development of 'trustworthy' AI is crucial as artificial intelligence increasingly influences various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and small businesses. By focusing on transparency and security, the initiative aims to build public trust in AI technologies. This funding positions GVSU as a leader in AI research and development, potentially attracting more academic and industry partnerships. The initiative also aligns with national efforts to establish governance frameworks for AI, ensuring that technological advancements are implemented responsibly. The project could have significant implications for the local economy by strengthening the workforce pipeline and retaining talent in Michigan.
What's Next?
The West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium will begin its work by collaborating with partners across academia, industry, government, and nonprofits. The consortium will focus on advanced research and developing AI governance frameworks. GVSU plans to integrate this initiative into its broader Blue Dot technology hub, which has received significant investment for expansion. The university will continue to engage with regional partners to ensure the initiative delivers meaningful benefits to the community. As AI continues to evolve, the consortium's work will be critical in shaping how AI technologies are developed and deployed in the future.
