If you want to learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and build your capacity in the field, a new facility will now be available at the Thimphu TechPark. The Information Access Center unveiled today is set to advance AI education and innovation. It is also equipped with essential infrastructure to support startups and entrepreneurs. Besides, it will also train people in AI and enhance ICT growth.
The centre consists of a digital training hall, a digital lounge, an AI development lab, a video conferencing hall and an office.
The digital training hall will serve as the centre of education by providing a training space for vital ICT skills: from basic digital literacy to technological competencies.
The digital lounge will welcome individuals for collaboration, networking and creativity.
The CEO of Thimphu TechPark said that this is where individuals can gather and explore the possibilities of technology.
The AI development lab has Graphics Processing Units, GPU workstations for AI research and application.
Tenzin Rabgay, Chief Operating Officer of Thimphu TechPark said “These facilities are state-of-the-art facilities in terms of AI development and also conducting trainings related to emerging technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and how these facilities are going to help BITC (Bhutan Innovation and Technology Centre) render its services related to innovation and entrepreneurship. So, these facilities will help promote innovation, and entrepreneurship and also help in creating a digital economy.”
With this, Bhutan now has two operational Information Access Centers. The first was established in 2015 at the Royal Institute of Management. However, the facility unveiled today will be different from the existing one.
The Chief Operating Officer said “The primary factor here is the existence of an AI development lab in our centre, meaning that the kind of centre they have at the moment is not powered by AI development labs. We have GPUs, which can be utilised by aspiring tech entrepreneurs who are into development related to artificial intelligence. They can also be utilised by students and community members who are aspiring to work or even explore development in terms of artificial intelligence.”
At the opening today, the Thimphu TechPark in collaboration with the National Information Agency of Korea has initiated two training programmes.
The centre is established with funding from Korea’s National Information Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Science and ICT.
There are 69 such centres set up by NIA in 51 countries.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Kipchu
