UH-Hilo to receive $1.4M in artificial intelligence project

Hawaiʻi at the Forefront of AI Innovation: UH-Hilo Secures Major Funding for Open AI Project

A significant leap forward for scientific innovation and education in Hawaiʻi is underway, with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo poised to play a pivotal role in a groundbreaking national artificial intelligence initiative. The institution is set to receive over $1.4 million as part of the ambitious Open Multimodal AI Infrastructure to Accelerate Science (OMAI) project, a nationwide endeavor designed to democratize advanced AI models for scientific discovery.

This landmark project, valued at $152 million, is led by the esteemed Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Ai2) and boasts joint funding from two major powerhouses: the National Science Foundation (NSF), contributing $75 million, and NVIDIA, adding a substantial $77 million. UH-Hilo's inclusion underscores its growing prominence in data science and its commitment to shaping the future of technology in the islands and beyond.

Driving Open AI for Scientific Advancement

UH-Hilo’s contribution to the OMAI project is central to its mission: developing the first fully open suite of advanced AI models explicitly crafted to propel U.S. scientific innovation. This isn't just about receiving funds; it's about active participation in building the foundational tools that will empower researchers across disciplines.

Leading the charge at UH-Hilo is Dr. Travis Mandel, an associate professor of Computer Science and coordinator of the university's Data Science program. As a co-principal investigator on the OMAI project, Dr. Mandel will be instrumental in co-leading the adaptation and community engagement components. His work will focus on creating open, multimodal large language models meticulously trained on vast amounts of scientific data and literature. This bespoke approach ensures the AI tools are not just powerful, but directly relevant to the unique demands of scientific inquiry.

Unprecedented Opportunities for Students and Local Research

The benefits of this project extend far beyond the research itself, directly impacting the educational landscape and fostering a new generation of AI-literate professionals in Hawaiʻi. Dr. Mandel highlighted the profound impact this award will have, stating, “This award presents an incredible opportunity to bring world-class AI expertise to UH Hilo and help our students better understand the technical details of how these large AI systems work.”

Students enrolled in UH-Hilo’s Data Science program stand to gain invaluable hands-on experience. They will be actively involved in various facets of the project, from evaluating how well these cutting-edge AI systems meet the specific needs of local scientists to implementing advanced training methods. This direct engagement will allow them to contribute to the development of better, more reliable AI assistance for complex scientific tasks. Opportunities for students include summer internships and year-round projects, enabling them to work alongside leading AI researchers and build real-world skills in constructing and assessing AI models.

Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader strategic significance: “We are honored to work alongside Ai2 and the other partners on this groundbreaking initiative. This award reflects our university’s growing strength in data science education and our commitment to advancing Hawaii’s role in the nation’s technological future.”

Beyond the classroom, the collaboration is set to empower local scientists across Hawaiʻi. The integration of advanced AI infrastructure into UH-Hilo’s academic programs will create a direct conduit for local researchers, particularly those in environmental, marine, and climate research, to incorporate sophisticated AI methodologies into their studies. This will accelerate discovery, enhance data analysis capabilities, and provide novel solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing the islands and the planet.

Shaping the Future of Science with Open AI

This initiative represents more than just a financial investment; it's a strategic partnership designed to cultivate an ecosystem of open, ethical, and nationally significant AI systems. By actively participating in the OMAI project, UH-Hilo is not only elevating its academic standing but also cementing Hawaiʻi's position as a hub for cutting-edge technological development. The collaboration promises to deliver immediate value by equipping students with in-demand skills and providing scientists with powerful new tools, ultimately accelerating scientific progress and reinforcing Hawaiʻi’s contribution to global innovation.