Ann Arbor Times

The University of Michigan (U-M) has announced a new partnership with OpenAI, aiming to enhance artificial intelligence research and resources on campus. This collaboration will include joint research projects focused on AI applications that benefit society.

OpenAI, known for creating ChatGPT, is part of the NextGenAI initiative—a $50 million effort to advance AI research and education through partnerships with higher education institutions. The partnership is expected to strengthen U-M's ability to conduct innovative AI research.

Michael Wellman, a professor at the College of Engineering and principal investigator for the partnership, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Working with OpenAI provides a special opportunity to collaborate with researchers producing some of the most influential AI developments today and gain access to leading edge models and tools.”

Under this agreement, OpenAI will offer API credits that grant U-M researchers access to advanced AI models. These credits are akin to prepaid access to OpenAI’s tools, enabling exploration across various fields. Additionally, the university will receive resources for high-performance computing and research grants from OpenAI.

Wellman noted that developing such relationships allows U-M to highlight its broad range of AI-relevant research: “It complements other strategic partnerships that U-M is developing with industry and government related to AI and contributes to our effort to build a campuswide AI research community.”

NextGenAI consists of ten universities alongside OpenAI, aiming to "accelerate research breakthroughs" according to an OpenAI news release. Founding partners include Duke University, MIT, Texas A&M University, Sciences Po in France, University of Oxford in England among others.

This initiative aligns with U-M's Vision 2034 strategy which aims at expanding development in artificial intelligence over the next decade. President Santa J. Ono emphasized the significance: “The University of Michigan is thrilled...collaborating with leading institutions...to drive transformational advances in research.”

Beyond providing access to models and computing power, this partnership establishes joint research frameworks between U-M and OpenAI. Arthur Lupia commented on how it expands their capabilities: “With access...our researchers will be better equipped...to push boundaries."