google, nvidia and microsoft Updates

The artificial intelligence landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with major tech players and government entities forging new partnerships and developing advanced infrastructure. Google Public Sector is collaborating with Lockheed Martin to integrate its generative AI, including Gemini, into secure, on-premise systems for defense and aerospace applications, aiming to accelerate data analysis and R&D. NVIDIA is also bolstering AI deployment for government use by offering an AI Factory blueprint based on its Blackwell architecture, and is partnering with Oracle to build a massive AI supercomputer for the US Department of Energy, featuring 100,000 Blackwell GPUs for scientific research. Meanwhile, the National Association of Manufacturers highlights the critical need for abundant energy and permitting reform to support AI's growth in manufacturing, noting that over half of manufacturers already use AI. In the broader economic context, AI's impact on jobs is being compared to historical shifts like the Industrial Revolution, with potential for significant productivity gains, though policymakers are urged to manage potential worker displacement through retraining and competition. Bill Gates likens the current AI investment fervor to the dot-com bubble, acknowledging AI's long-term importance while cautioning about overvalued current investments. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky advises students to focus on timeless human skills rather than trying to predict specific AI-driven job markets. On the operational front, Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 experienced significant global outages, impacting thousands of users. To fuel AI development, platforms like Mercor are connecting AI labs, including OpenAI and Anthropic, with industry experts for specialized data and knowledge, bypassing traditional data-sharing reluctance.

Key Takeaways

• Lockheed Martin is partnering with Google Public Sector to deploy Google's generative AI, including Gemini, on-premise for national security programs.
• NVIDIA is providing an AI Factory blueprint for government use and is building a large AI supercomputer with Oracle for the US Department of Energy, utilizing 100,000 Blackwell GPUs.
• Over half of manufacturers use AI, and the National Association of Manufacturers links AI growth to the need for energy and permitting reform.
• Bill Gates compares the current AI excitement to the dot-com bubble, foreseeing profound long-term value but potential overvaluation of current investments.
• Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky suggests students focus on human connection and leadership skills, advising them to embrace AI tools while prioritizing timeless human qualities.
• Mercor connects AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic with former industry experts to acquire specialized data for AI training.
• Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 experienced major global outages affecting thousands of users.
• Experts estimate AI could significantly increase annual productivity growth, with potential parallels to historical economic disruptions like the Industrial Revolution's 'Engels' pause'.
• University deans are discussing AI's role as a valuable academic tool for efficiency and learning, alongside curriculum updates.

Lockheed Martin and Google Public Sector partner on secure AI

Lockheed Martin and Google Public Sector are collaborating to bring Google's generative AI, including Gemini, to Lockheed Martin's on-premise systems. This partnership aims to speed up analysis of large datasets, advance research and development, and optimize logistics for aerospace, space exploration, and cybersecurity. Initially, the AI tools will be used in unclassified systems, with plans to expand to classified environments. This collaboration emphasizes secure and scalable AI deployment for critical national security programs.

Lockheed Martin uses Google's AI for workflow improvements

Lockheed Martin is integrating Google Public Sector's generative AI tools, including Google Gemini, into its internal AI Factory. This collaboration will help employees analyze data faster, speed up research, and improve logistics. The initial phase will deploy these AI tools within Lockheed Martin's unclassified on-premise systems. Both companies highlight their commitment to providing advanced AI capabilities while maintaining high security standards for government use.

NVIDIA offers AI Factory blueprint for government use

NVIDIA has launched an AI Factory for Government reference design, a blueprint for deploying secure AI infrastructure using NVIDIA AI Enterprise software. This design includes hardware recommendations based on NVIDIA Blackwell architecture and supports cybersecurity efforts. Industry partners like CrowdStrike and ServiceNow are integrating NVIDIA's software for enhanced AI capabilities. Server manufacturers will adopt this design to speed up AI deployments for public sector and regulated industries facing challenges with outdated infrastructure.

Nvidia and Oracle build AI supercomputer for US DOE

Nvidia and Oracle are partnering to create a powerful AI supercomputer named Solstice at Argonne National Laboratory for the US Department of Energy. This system will use 100,000 Nvidia Blackwell GPUs to boost AI research in science, security, and energy. A second system, Equinox, will also be deployed. These supercomputers aim to advance open science and train large AI models, supporting the DOE's mission across various critical disciplines.

Manufacturers link AI growth to energy and permitting reform

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released a roadmap connecting America's AI and energy future to the need for permitting reform. The roadmap highlights that over half of manufacturers already use AI and see it as essential for future growth. To fully leverage AI's potential, the NAM emphasizes the need for abundant, affordable energy and a reliable power grid. They call for reforms to the permitting process to speed up energy infrastructure development and support AI-driven manufacturing.

Bill Gates sees AI bubble like the dot-com era

Bill Gates believes the current excitement around artificial intelligence resembles the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. While acknowledging AI's profound long-term value, he suggests that many current investments may be overvalued and could become dead ends. Gates compared the situation to the dot-com crash, where some companies succeeded while many others failed. He stated that AI is the most significant technological development of his lifetime, comparable in impact to the creation of the internet.

Airbnb CEO advises students on AI-proof skills

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky advises students to focus on skills that will always be valuable, regardless of technological advancements like AI. He suggests studying subjects of interest and developing skills related to human connection and leadership, which he believes will remain essential. Chesky also stressed the importance of hiring entry-level positions to cultivate future leaders. He recommends embracing AI tools while focusing on timeless human qualities rather than trying to predict specific future job markets.

Mercor connects AI labs with industry experts for data

Mercor provides a platform connecting former senior employees from companies like investment banks and law firms with AI labs seeking specialized data. CEO Brendan Foody explained that companies are often unwilling to share data to automate their operations, so AI labs hire these former employees as contractors. Mercor pays these experts to share their industry knowledge for AI training, with customers including OpenAI and Anthropic. This model aims to automate industries by leveraging the expertise of those who previously worked within them.

Microsoft services Azure and 365 face major outages

Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 experienced significant global outages on Tuesday, impacting thousands of users. Downdetector reported over 16,600 users affected by the Azure outage and nearly 9,000 by the Microsoft 365 outage at their peak. Microsoft acknowledged the issues and stated they were investigating the problem with the Azure Portal. The cause of the disruptions and the expected resolution time were not immediately provided.

AI's impact on jobs echoes historical economic shifts

The rise of AI may mirror historical economic disruptions like the Industrial Revolution's 'Engels' pause,' where productivity increased but wages stagnated. Studies suggest AI adoption boosts productivity by expanding business scope, potentially displacing workers at slower firms rather than directly replacing jobs. Experts estimate AI could significantly increase annual productivity growth over the next decade. Policymakers are advised to support AI adoption, encourage competition, and retrain workers to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure widespread benefits.

University deans discuss AI's role in education

At IUP's 'Chat With The Deans' event, academic leaders discussed artificial intelligence and its impact on education with students. Deans from various colleges shared their perspectives on how AI can increase efficiency and reliability in data collection. They emphasized that AI can be a valuable academic tool if used to promote learning. The discussion also covered curriculum changes, including the new Crimson Core general education program and the development of SOAR courses for sophomore students.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin and Google Public Sector to Bring Generative AI to On-Premise Infrastructure for National Security
• Lockheed Martin integrating Google’s generative AI tools into workflow ops
• NVIDIA Launches AI Factory for Government Reference Design
• Nvidia, Oracle partner on new AI supercomputer for US DOE
• New NAM Roadmap Ties America’s AI and Energy Future to Urgent Need for Permitting Reform
• Bill Gates says we're in an AI bubble similar to the dot-com bubble
• Airbnb CEO: The skills students should develop instead of worrying about AI—you'll 'always need' them
• How AI labs use Mercor to get the data companies won’t share
• Microsoft Azure, 365 down for thousands of users, Downdetector shows
• Anxious About AI? We’ve Been Here Before
• Deans discuss AI, curriculum changes at Chat With The Deans