DeepMind, Raspberry Pi Foundation Partner to Educate the Next Generation of AI Engineers

Artificial intelligence specialist DeepMind has announced a partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and five other education charities and social enterprises in the UK to boost science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to support a new generation of AI-focused engineers.

"For many young people in the United Kingdom, especially those from under-represented backgrounds, a career in artificial intelligence feels out of reach — and that needs to change," claims Obum Ekeke, OBE, of the need for the partnerships. "By focusing on education at an early age, there’s an opportunity to help break down long-standing barriers that have facilitated a system of inequalities. Our hope is that this education program can help instill confidence in the next generation of students and eventually play a part in creating an inclusive and accessible global AI ecosystem."

"The Raspberry Pi Foundation’s mission is to enable young people to realize their full potential through the power of computing and digital technologies. Our vision is that every young person — whatever their background — should have the opportunity to learn how to create and solve problems with computers," adds Philip Colligan, the Raspberry Pi Foundation's chief executive officer. "With the rapid advances in artificial intelligence — from machine learning and robotics, to computer vision and natural language processing — it’s increasingly important that young people understand how AI is affecting their lives now and the role that it can play in their future."

The partnership between the two organizations will see the launch of a two-track program dubbed Experience AI, split into "Inspire" and "Experiment" strands. The Inspire strand will attempt to engage participants aged 11-14 in learning about AI and its impact using free learning materials and resources plus a program of training for educators. The Experiment strand offers hands-on experience with solving real-world problems using AI technologies. All materials will be made freely available to schools across the UK, it has been confirmed — but with no word on international availability.

At the same time, DeepMind has announced it will be funding and offering support to five other STEM-focused UK organizations under the same umbrella: STEM Learning, The Brilliant Club, Stemettes, the British Science Association, and Apps for Good. Between those five the second string of the program aims to reach 500 UK schools and over 100,000 young people, with a focus on state-funded schools and students from under-represented groups.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has launched a registration form for those looking to learn more about the Experience AI program, open to "teachers in UK schools and colleges, home educators in the UK, volunteers in the UK who run after-school or other non-formal learning events, [and] anyone interested in the progress of the Experience AI collaboration."