April 18, 2025

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AI Council, Investments, and Innovations

Recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) have seen significant advancements and investments. Montgomery County has launched an AI Advisory Council to ensure AI is used for the public's benefit, while companies like Anthropic and Writing.io are investing in AI startups and education. However, the growing demand for AI is also raising concerns about its environmental impact, with reports highlighting the significant energy consumption of data centers. Meanwhile, innovations in AI hardware and education are underway, with France's CEA-Leti targeting AI hardware bottlenecks and companies like Interview Kickstart updating their machine learning courses. Additionally, the integration of AI products into various platforms, such as Binance Wallet, and the focus on AI and cybersecurity by companies like CompTIA, are making AI more accessible and secure. The Trump administration is also poised to unveil its AI Action Plan, aiming to accelerate AI adoption and development in the US.

Montco Launches AI Advisory Council

Montgomery County Commissioners are seeking applicants for a new Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence for Public Good. The council aims to ensure AI is used for the public's benefit, improving services and decision-making. Experts from various fields will work together to identify opportunities for AI integration and ensure transparency and accountability. The council will work with county employees to put guidance into action, with the goal of harnessing technology to better serve residents.

Montco Launches AI Advisory Council

Montgomery County Commissioners are seeking applicants for a new Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence for Public Good. The council aims to ensure AI is used for the public's benefit, improving services and decision-making. Experts from various fields will work together to identify opportunities for AI integration and ensure transparency and accountability. The council will work with county employees to put guidance into action, with the goal of harnessing technology to better serve residents.

AI and Energy in Four Charts

A new report from the International Energy Agency explores the relationship between AI and energy demand. The report highlights that AI is power-hungry and will lead to higher energy demand from data centers. It also notes that the electricity needed to power data centers will largely come from fossil fuels in the near term, but nuclear and renewables could play a key role in the future. The report provides four charts that sum up the crucial points about AI and energy demand.

AI Generates Carbon Emissions

Artificial intelligence's power-hungry nature has earned it a reputation as a climate pariah. Training a single model can use more electricity than 100 US homes in an entire year. The world's demand for AI is growing, and so will data centers' energy consumption, which is projected to more than double by 2030. This will have a material impact on the energy transition, with fossil fuels playing a significant role in meeting the increased demand.

Anthropic Invests in AI Startup

Anthropic has invested $1 million in Goodfire, a startup that helps AI developers understand the inner workings of their AI models. This is Anthropic's first investment in another startup, and it's a small slice of the $50 million available to invest in other startups. Goodfire's technology will help AI developers decode their models and improve their performance.

Writing.io Pledges $2 Million to AI Education

Writing.io, an AI education platform, has pledged $2 million to provide AI training and technology access to 10,000 residents in Southwest Florida. The company aims to equip professionals and learners with essential skills in artificial intelligence, empowering local businesses and individuals to thrive in an AI-driven economy. The program includes a beginner-friendly AI certification course and access to Writing.io's AI platform.

France's CEA-Leti Targets AI Hardware

France's CEA-Leti is targeting AI hardware bottlenecks with silicon photonics and GaN innovations. The company aims to improve the performance and efficiency of AI systems by developing new hardware technologies. This effort is part of a broader push to advance AI research and development in France and around the world.

Best Machine Learning Engineer Course

Interview Kickstart has updated its Flagship Machine Learning Course to produce engineers who can build explainable AI systems. The course provides a comprehensive foundation in machine learning concepts and technologies, as well as intensive interview preparation. The program aims to equip professionals with the skills to develop transparent and interpretable AI models, which is increasingly important in the job market.

ChatGPT's Politeness Costs Millions

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says that people being polite to ChatGPT, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you', costs the company tens of millions of dollars in electricity bills. However, Altman believes it's worth it, as being polite to AI can lead to better responses and a more positive user experience. A survey found that 70% of people are polite to AI, and experts believe that this can have a significant impact on the responses they receive.

Binance Wallet Integrates ChainGPT's AI Products

Binance Wallet has integrated ChainGPT's AI products, giving over 100 million users access to smart contract tools, NFT creation, and web3 investment features. The integration unlocks ChainGPT's AI Hub, AI NFT Generator, and ChainGPT Pad, allowing users to create, audit, and analyze contracts, as well as access technical insights and incubated projects. This partnership aims to make blockchain and AI more accessible to all.

CompTIA Focuses on AI and Cybersecurity

CompTIA, a leading provider of IT training and certification products, is focusing on AI and cybersecurity at the upcoming RSAC 2025 conference. The company's CEO, Todd Thibodeaux, will speak on 'AI and the Cybersecurity Workforce of the Future', highlighting the impact of AI on cybersecurity jobs, skills, and training. CompTIA is also developing a new SecAI+ certification to address the growing need for AI skills in the cybersecurity industry.

Trump's AI Strategy Takes Shape

The Trump administration is poised to unveil its AI Action Plan, which aims to accelerate AI adoption and development in the US. The plan is expected to focus on removing barriers to American leadership in AI and promoting the use of AI in various industries. The administration has already released two major policies on federal agency use of AI and federal procurement of AI, and is seeking input on AI infrastructure development.

Key Takeaways

  • Montgomery County has launched an AI Advisory Council to ensure AI is used for the public's benefit.
  • The growing demand for AI is raising concerns about its environmental impact, with data centers' energy consumption projected to more than double by 2030.
  • Anthropic has invested $1 million in Goodfire, a startup that helps AI developers understand the inner workings of their AI models.
  • Writing.io has pledged $2 million to provide AI training and technology access to 10,000 residents in Southwest Florida.
  • France's CEA-Leti is targeting AI hardware bottlenecks with silicon photonics and GaN innovations.
  • Interview Kickstart has updated its Flagship Machine Learning Course to produce engineers who can build explainable AI systems.
  • Binance Wallet has integrated ChainGPT's AI products, giving over 100 million users access to smart contract tools and web3 investment features.
  • CompTIA is focusing on AI and cybersecurity, developing a new SecAI+ certification to address the growing need for AI skills in the cybersecurity industry.
  • The Trump administration is poised to unveil its AI Action Plan, aiming to accelerate AI adoption and development in the US.
  • The use of polite language when interacting with AI, such as ChatGPT, can lead to better responses and a more positive user experience, but also increases electricity costs.

Sources

Artificial Intelligence AI Advisory Council AI and Energy AI and Climate Change AI Education AI Hardware