UF celebrates AI Month, prepares for inaugural AI Days on Oct. 26-28
As the latest milestone in the University of Florida’s push to build the country’s first artificial intelligence (AI) university, the UF community is celebrating and learning about all things AI during the month of October.
Throughout the month, the university is showcasing its comprehensive AI initiative, including the hiring of more than 100 professors who are teaching and researching in AI across all academic disciplines. The month’s capstone will center around the university’s inaugural AI Days Oct. 26-28, when students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in immersive events dedicated to AI. From competitions designed to bring students’ original ideas to life to engaging panels discussing AI and data science, AI Days will capture how UF is building an AI university.
“UF is leading the way nationally and even globally in terms of giving every student the opportunity to learn about AI and creating a workforce in which all graduates understand how AI can be applied in their respective fields,” said David Reed, associate provost for strategic initiatives and director of the university’s new (AI)^2 Center. “There’s clearly an excitement about the university’s momentum in this space — particularly among our students and faculty who see it as an opportunity to learn new skill sets, solve important problems, and be at the forefront in an area of technology and science that is poised to revolutionize the way we all live and work.”
AI Days are free and open to the UF community and will include a poster board session as well as multiple panels and discussions. Other opportunities to participate include:
AI Pitch Competition
Hosted by the Warrington College of Business, the pitch competition is designed to help students launch and grow businesses that leverage AI. The top three competition winners—those who represent the best potential for growth and for attracting outside financing—will receive grand prize money, with first place winners receiving $12,000 for their venture, second place winners receiving $8,000 and third place winners receiving $5,000. Students, faculty and staff are invited to watch the pitch competition finalists and award celebration at Emerson Alumni Hall from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 27.
AI Days Hackathon
Hosted by the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, the AI Days Hackathon is a 24-hour competition that provides an opportunity for all students to develop a solution with emphasis on AI. The AI Hackathon begins Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, and teams must have one UF student and two departments represented (i.e. CISE/Business). All departments are encouraged and invited to participate. There are $25,000 in prizes available.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to watch the AI Hackathon Competition and Awards Ceremony on Oct. 27 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Emerson Alumni Hall.
Faculty Exchange
On Oct. 28, there will be a Faculty Exchange to welcome the 100 new AI faculty to UF and provide an opportunity for staff and students to interact while highlighting the research and educational activities around campus. Students, faculty and staff are invited to panel discussions and the poster session at Emerson Alumni Hall from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided and registration is required.
Pop-up events
From Oct. 24 to 27, the Career Connections Center will host four pop-up events where students can learn more about careers in AI and how those careers intersect with their majors.