The Air Force announces a new AI Center of Excellence, led by Susan Davenport, enhancing partnerships with MIT and Stanford. This initiative focuses on aligning AI tools with strategic goals and encourages innovative collaborations across military branches to optimize IT spending.
In an exciting development, the Department of the Air Force is set to launch a brand-new artificial intelligence center aimed at advancing AI initiatives. The announcement was made by outgoing Chief Information Officer Venice Goodwine at the recent TechNet Cyber conference in Baltimore. This center will strengthen current collaborations, particularly with MIT, Stanford University, and Microsoft, marking a significant step forward in military tech.
Under the guidance of Air Force Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer Susan Davenport, this center is poised to become a hub for AI development and innovation. Goodwine’s remarks at the conference revealed that MIT is already home to the Air Force’s AI accelerator, while Stanford’s School of Engineering is behind the DAF-Stanford AI Studio, known for its recent successful project. They offered a 10-day course focused on “Test of AI and Emerging Technologies,” which aimed to prepare Air Force students for challenges related to AI-enabled aircraft and satellites.
It seems that Microsoft’s infrastructure will play a crucial role in the functionality of the new AI center. Goodwine noted that this is largely due to previous investments in what’s being called the Innovation Landing Zone, which is a secure environment set up by Air Force Cyberworx at the academy. The landing zone is intended for prototyping mission solutions tied into data and AI, DevSecOps, and other areas.
In her conference speech, Goodwine pointed out the vast spectrum of AI applications: “AI has a broad continuum,” she explained, showcasing its versatile potential, from summarizing legal briefs to enabling autonomy in defense operations. The forthcoming AI Center of Excellence is envisioned to align AI tools and investments with the Air Force’s strategic objectives — a pretty ambitious undertaking.
Goodwine stressed the need for cohesive solutions across the entire Defense Department, advocating for contractors to establish partnerships that could enhance service offerings for all military branches. “We have to learn to think differently,” she said, urging the audience to envision solutions that consider all services collectively, from the Army to the Coast Guard. This concept of “extreme teaming” could potentially streamline technological integration and improve overall efficiency.
Separate agreements within military branches aren’t financially viable anymore. “We’re thinking about how do we spend our dollars wisely,” Goodwine asserted. This strategic thinking emphasizes the importance of focusing resources on high-priority investments rather than overlapping IT expenditures.
Goodwine’s emphasis on extreme teaming means careful use of existing resources first. She acknowledged the funding constraints with a candid message: “There’s no new money.” Innovative collaborations and resource-sharing are necessary if the military wants to pursue innovative projects.
The session opened with heartfelt words as Goodwine was honored for her contributions, marking her final act as Air Force CIO. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence took a moment to express gratitude for her service, presenting Goodwine with the prestigious AFCEA Chair Superior Performance Award. She encapsulated Goodwine’s legacy by stating, “Her passion for building bridges across government, industry in academia, is matched only by her steadfast leadership and generosity of spirit.”
The establishment of the new Center of Excellence signals an era of enhanced artificial intelligence development within the Air Force. With strong partnerships in place, a vision to streamline IT expenditure, and the call for innovative collaborations, the center aims to empower military operations significantly. As outgoing CIO Venice Goodwine emphasized, this initiative reflects a strategic shift towards optimizing existing resources while embracing a holistic approach across all military branches.
Original Source: www.airandspaceforces.com
