North Columbus News

Ohio State University has joined a collaboration with OpenAI and 14 other prominent research institutions to advance artificial intelligence (AI) research and education. The consortium, named NextGenAI, is backed by up to $50 million from OpenAI. This funding will support access to AI tools and provide grants for research, computing resources for model training, and other initiatives.

Peter Mohler, Ohio State’s executive vice president for research, innovation, and knowledge, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Ohio State is at the forefront of a multidisciplinary approach to the benefits of AI, significantly impacting both research and education. We are excited to join OpenAI and this elite research partnership, which will enable us to drive even more groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in medicine, manufacturing, computing, and beyond."

OpenAI's chief operating officer Brad Lightcap highlighted the importance of academic collaboration in AI development: “The field of AI wouldn’t be where it is today without decades of work in the academic community. Continued collaboration is essential to build AI that benefits everyone. NextGenAI will accelerate research progress and catalyze a new generation of institutions equipped to harness the transformative power of AI."

NextGenAI aims to foster breakthroughs in science, medicine, technology, and education by providing OpenAI’s technology to students, educators, and researchers. Founding partners include Caltech, Duke University, Harvard University, MIT among others. Each institution applies AI solutions tailored to their specific needs.

At Ohio State University specifically, researchers focus on digital health advancements while educators develop learning models using AI. The Timashev Center for Software Innovation plays a key role in positioning Ohio State as a growth hub within the global digital economy.

Harvard University and Boston Children’s Hospital use AI technologies to expedite medical diagnoses. Duke University explores metascience—examining scientific progress—and seeks collaborative models between public and private sectors.

Texas A&M employs NextGenAI resources for its Generative Artificial Intelligence Literacy Initiative aimed at enhancing responsible AI usage within academia. Meanwhile, MIT and Howard University offer access to OpenAI’s API for educational purposes.

OpenAI continues its educational commitment through products like ChatGPT Edu facilitating campus-wide access to advanced AI models. Universities such as Arizona State University have integrated these technologies into their campuses.