Laude Institute Unveils Inaugural Cohort of ‘Slingshots’ AI Grants

Laude Institute Launches Innovative Slingshots Grants to Propel AI Research

On Thursday, the Laude Institute unveiled its inaugural Slingshots grants, focused on enhancing the development and application of artificial intelligence.

Empowering Researchers with Essential Resources

The Slingshots program serves as an accelerator for researchers, offering vital resources often lacking in traditional academic settings. These include funding, computational power, and product engineering support. In return, grant recipients commit to delivering tangible outcomes—be it a startup, an open-source codebase, or another noteworthy creation.

First Cohort Tackles AI Evaluation Challenges

The program’s initial cohort comprises 15 projects, primarily targeting the intricate issue of AI evaluation. Among the featured initiatives are well-known projects such as Terminal Bench, a command-line coding benchmark, and the evolving ARC-AGI project.

Innovative Solutions from New Projects

Some projects introduce novel strategies to long-standing evaluation issues. For instance, Formula Code, developed by Caltech and UT Austin researchers, aims to assess AI agents’ capacity for optimizing existing code. Meanwhile, BizBench from Columbia proposes a comprehensive benchmark for evaluating “white-collar AI agents.” Additional grants are dedicated to exploring new frameworks for reinforcement learning and model compression.

Dynamic Competition: The CodeClash Initiative

John Boda Yang, co-founder of SWE-Bench, is leading a new initiative called CodeClash as part of this cohort. Drawing inspiration from SWE-Bench’s success, CodeClash aims to evaluate code through an engaging, competition-focused framework.

Insights from Industry Experts

“I believe that ongoing evaluations based on core third-party benchmarks drive progress,” Yang shared with TechCrunch. “My concern is the potential future where benchmarks become too tailored to specific companies.”

Here are five FAQs regarding the Laude Institute’s announcement of the first batch of "Slingshots" AI grants:

FAQ 1: What are the "Slingshots" AI grants?

Answer: The "Slingshots" AI grants are funding opportunities offered by the Laude Institute aimed at supporting innovative projects that leverage artificial intelligence. These grants are designed to promote groundbreaking research and development in the AI sector.

FAQ 2: Who is eligible to apply for these grants?

Answer: Eligibility for the "Slingshots" AI grants typically includes researchers, academics, startups, and organizations focused on AI initiatives. Specific eligibility criteria may vary, so it’s essential for potential applicants to review the guidelines provided by the Laude Institute.

FAQ 3: How much funding is available through the "Slingshots" AI grants?

Answer: While the exact amount of funding may vary by project, the "Slingshots" AI grants offer significant financial support to selected projects. Interested applicants can find detailed information on the funding range in the grant guidelines available on the Laude Institute’s website.

FAQ 4: What types of projects are prioritized for funding?

Answer: The "Slingshots" AI grants prioritize projects that demonstrate innovative uses of artificial intelligence, including but not limited to machine learning applications, AI in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and solutions addressing societal challenges. Projects that align with these themes are encouraged to apply.

FAQ 5: How can interested applicants apply for the grants?

Answer: Interested applicants can apply for the "Slingshots" AI grants by visiting the Laude Institute’s official website. There, they will find the application form and guidelines, including deadlines and submission requirements. It’s recommended to prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining the project’s goals, methodology, and expected impact.

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A UN Research Institute Developed an AI Avatar for Refugees

UN-Linked Research Institute Unveils AI Avatars to Raise Awareness on Refugee Issues

Two innovative AI-powered avatars have been created by a research institute associated with the United Nations, aiming to educate the public on refugee challenges.

Introducing Amina and Abdalla: The AI Refugees

According to 404 Media, a project from the United Nations University Center for Policy Research gave rise to two compelling AI personas: Amina, a fictional woman who escaped from Sudan to a refugee camp in Chad, and Abdalla, a fictional soldier affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group in Sudan.

Engaging Users through Virtual Conversations

The initiative allows users to interact with Amina and Abdalla via the project’s website. However, attempts to register and participate have encountered technical issues, as evidenced by an error message received during a recent attempt.

Insights from the Experiment: A Cautionary Approach

Eduardo Albrecht, a professor at Columbia and a senior fellow at UNU-CPR, explained to 404 Media that this project was exploratory, with no intent to position it as a solution for the UN.

Future Applications and Audience Reception

Research related to this work suggests potential uses for these avatars, such as swiftly appealing to donors. However, feedback from workshop participants indicated concerns, with many asserting that real-life refugees are fully capable of voicing their own experiences.

Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the AI refugee avatar created by a United Nations research institute, along with their answers:

FAQ 1: What is the AI refugee avatar?

Answer: The AI refugee avatar is a digital representation designed to assist refugees by providing personalized information, resources, and support. Developed by a United Nations research institute, it aims to enhance communication and improve access to vital services for displaced individuals.

FAQ 2: How does the AI refugee avatar work?

Answer: The AI refugee avatar uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to interact with users in real-time. It can answer questions, provide guidance on asylum processes, and connect users with relevant support services based on their specific needs and circumstances.

FAQ 3: Who can use the AI refugee avatar?

Answer: The AI refugee avatar is designed for refugees and migrants seeking assistance. It can be accessed by individuals in refugee camps, urban settings, or online platforms, making it a versatile tool for those in need of information and support.

FAQ 4: What kind of information can the AI refugee avatar provide?

Answer: The avatar can provide a wide range of information, including legal advice on asylum applications, health care access, integration resources, and educational opportunities. It is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by refugees in different regions.

FAQ 5: How does the United Nations ensure the privacy and security of users interacting with the AI avatar?

Answer: The United Nations implements strict data protection protocols to ensure user privacy and security. The AI avatar only collects necessary information to deliver personalized assistance while safeguarding personal data. Transparency and ethical guidelines are followed to maintain user trust and safety.

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