Creating intelligent cyberinfrastructure for democratizing AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential for vast societal and economic gain; yet applications are developed in a largely ad hoc manner, lacking coherent, standardized, modular, and reusable infrastructures. The NSF-funded Intelligent CyberInfrastructure with Computational Learning in the Environment AI Institute (“ICICLE”) aims to fundamentally advance edge-to-center, AI-as-a-Service, achieved through intelligent cyberinfrastructure (CI) that spans the edge-cloud-HPC computing continuum, plug-and-play next-generation AI and intelligent CI services, and a commitment to design for broad accessibility and widespread benefit. This design is foundational to the institute's commitment to democratizing AI. The institute's CI activities are informed by three high-impact domains: animal ecology, digital agriculture, and smart foodsheds. The institute's workforce development and broadening participation in computing efforts reinforce the institute's commitment to democratizing AI. ICICLE seeks to serve as the national nexus for AI and intelligent CI, and welcomes engagement across its wide set of programs.