1. A key goal of the AI Accelerator is to democratize access to Generative AI technology. Why is this democratization so important?
The future of AI is being decided right now, and the global chip shortage risks shutting the world’s most innovative startups out of that future. It’s vital that we democratize access to Generative AI technology so that innovation is not stifled.
Currently, the demand for compute capacity is being largely driven by hyperscalers who have access to the compute infrastructure, or the large amounts of capital required to acquire it. Smaller businesses and startups have limited access to this same compute power which is required to run LLMs and other forms of Generative AI. There is a huge risk that potentially game-changing startups, who could really push the boundaries of innovation in GenAI and deliver major societal benefits, will struggle to access the compute power they need to run their proof-of-concepts or to scale, unless solutions are brought forward to these challenges.
2. Why did Northern Data Group create the Accelerator?
First and foremost, because we believe in democratizing access to Generative AI. It’s really important to have a healthy, innovative AI ecosystem, so that startups can challenge the status quo with disruptive ideas and help maximise the benefits of this transformative technology. However, there is also a deeper motivation. At Northern Data Group, we believe in innovation bravery. We champion those who think differently and are looking to achieve societal progress through advancements in technology, and we want to help them unleash their potential.
The AI Accelerator does exactly this by giving participating startups access to our Generative AI platform, including NVIDIA HGX H100 GPUs. They will also receive one-to-one mentoring by members of the Accelerator Review Panel, each leading experts in their field, as well as workshops on accessing venture capital and ESG, and so much more.
3. What is an AI development or application that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m extremely excited about developments in AI across so many fields, from the legal sector, to gaming and animation, and even logistics. With the help of AI, many businesses and whole sectors will be transformed, becoming more efficient, more productive and delivering better products.
One standout application that I’m so excited about is how AI will transform healthcare. Take areas such as drug discovery, preventative medicine, and digital twinning, for example. There’s so much potential here for the technology to help us lead longer, healthier lives.
The speed of medical innovation will increase as we can now – with the help of AI – go over research papers at record speed, using that information to create new hypotheses and test old theories too. Already, there are some fascinating outputs from AI on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. AI has the potential to not only save millions of lives but also enhance longevity and quality of life too.
4. How do you anticipate AI evolving over the next five years?
We need to decide what we really want AI to achieve for us. Implementing the infrastructure in a sustainable way and then governing the data ethically will be really important. If we get that right, the sky is the limit.
We could see AI transform every aspect of our lives, make us healthier, and free us from so many of the mundane tasks that prevent us from focusing on higher-level work and being truly creative.
5. What are you looking for in an outstanding application to the AI Accelerator?
So many AI startups have great ideas. I’ve got an open mind and I’m just so excited to find the startups that are truly ready to take their ideas to the next level — those that are hungry to see their ideas develop beyond proof-of-concept, scale up, and shape the future of AI.