A&T to Drive AI Innovation, Economic Development in Collaboration with NVIDIA

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 6, 2024) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University today announced it has entered a collaboration with NVIDIA aimed at accelerating North Carolina’s economic growth, enhancing workforce capabilities and fostering innovation across key sectors, helping further position the university as a leader in research and technology.

This collaboration aligns with N.C. A&T’s goal to achieve Carnegie Classification R1 research status, the highest classification of research institutions in the United States. By leveraging NVIDIA’s AI technology and resources, A&T will boost its research capacity in fields critical to economic and human advancement.

“Through this impactful relationship, North Carolina A&T and NVIDIA will enhance a foundation for collaboration and innovation, economic development and workforce preparedness, and groundbreaking research,” said Timothy Minor, interim vice chancellor for the Division of Strategic Partnerships and Economic Development. “By integrating AI into every facet of learning, A&T is equipped to prepare students and faculty to find solutions to problems and meet the industry demands for talent in North Carolina and the nation.”

“Workforce enablement is foundational to economic development, and equipping students and faculty with AI training and tools is key to setting them up to foster generative AI innovation,” said Louis Stewart, head of Strategic Initiatives for Developer Ecosystem at NVIDIA. “This collaboration has the potential to greatly elevate NC A&T’s research capabilities and make a lasting impact on North Carolina’s economy and technology ecosystem.”

Key objectives of the collaboration are:

• Research Enhancement. The collaboration will strengthen A&T’s research initiatives in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. These fields are pivotal to the university’s strategic mission of achieving R1 status, reflecting A&T’s commitment to groundbreaking research and innovation.
• Educational Excellence. Working with NVIDIA, A&T will develop and refine educational programs, equipping students with the critical AI skills needed to thrive in the global tech industry. This initiative aims to place A&T graduates at the forefront of technological innovation, preparing them for careers in technology.
• Economic Development. The collaboration seeks to harness AI to drive economic growth in North Carolina’s key industries, including energy, biotechnology, and information technology. This AI-driven transformation will create new opportunities for businesses and communities, helping solidify North Carolina’s position as a tech hub.
• Inclusivity and Community Engagement. As part of the initiative, A&T will work with NVIDIA to foster a diverse and inclusive technology ecosystem by engaging with community stakeholders, helping ensure that the benefits of AI innovation reach underserved populations.

“A&T is preparing the next generation of socially conscious leaders, pioneering researchers, visionary entrepreneurs, and global change-makers to transform lives and improve the human condition,” said Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Advanced technology, including generative AI, is integral to that mission.

“Our collaboration with NVIDIA supports synergies that our students and faculty can both contribute to and benefit from, such as advanced research applications, innovations in teaching and learning, and new ways to drive economic empowerment, particularly for those who are underserved. We appreciate the forward-thinking vision of NVIDIA and its recognition that a collaboration with A&T will undoubtedly serve the state, nation and globe.”