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Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system, talks at a podium during the Nov. 25 announcement with Google at Nebraska Innovation Campus.

A Generous Gift to Foster AI Innovation

The University of Nebraska Foundation has announced a significant donation of $250,000 from Google, aiming to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) research and education across the University of Nebraska system. This generous contribution was revealed on November 25 during an event held at the Nebraska Innovation Campus.

Part of a larger series of investments made by Google to support educational initiatives in Nebraska, this funding will empower faculty and students to delve into advanced AI technologies. This initiative is set to enhance the University of Nebraska’s position as a front-runner in AI innovation.

Infrastructure Expansion

During the same event, Google also announced an expansive infrastructure investment amounting to $930 million to upgrade its data center campuses located in Lincoln, Papillion, and Omaha. This move aims to address the increasing need for Google Cloud services and advancements in AI technology.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the NU system, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, ‘The University of Nebraska is proud to celebrate with Google as they make a transformative investment in our state and in our future.’ He emphasized how this generous gift reflects a shared commitment to harnessing the power of AI to maintain a leadership role in research, teaching, and public engagement.

Focus on AI Education

The donation arrives as the university intensifies its commitment to AI education. Earlier this year, they launched a new undergraduate degree program in generative AI, which is a collaboration between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Furthermore, all four NU system universities are actively developing AI-related programs and finding innovative ways to integrate the technology into teaching. An AI task force—comprising faculty and staff from diverse disciplines, including information technology, medicine, agriculture, engineering, and library sciences—is exploring collaborative efforts to maximize the benefits of AI across campuses.

Commitment to Excellence

Gold commented, ‘The University of Nebraska’s work in AI, including the initiatives supported by this gift, is essential to our vision for the future.’ He reiterated the importance of leading the charge in understanding, utilizing, and advancing emerging technologies such as AI.