With the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) across the country, a study from the Brookings Institution benchmarked cities and regions to see which are ready to productively facilitate AI development in their economies. Milwaukee was named a “Nascent AI Adopter,” meaning that it shows moderate performance in three categories related to AI readiness: talent, innovation and adoption. 79 other metro areas were named Nascent Adopters.

The rAIder Initiative—MSOE’s comprehensive strategic effort to incorporate applied AI tools and practices across the university—is one of the ways the university is facilitating the adoption of AI in Milwaukee.

Students are using AI in the classroom and in their student clubs and extracurricular activities. This includes the Rosie Supercomputer Super Challenge, which tasks students to use the university’s supercomputer to solve a problem or advance an existing project they are working on, MSOE’s AI Club (MAIC), Hacksgiving Hackathon and many more opportunities. 

MSOE also has established strong corporate partnerships in the AI space to foster AI adoption in greater Milwaukee. Faculty members connect with industry partners to provide students with the chance to engage in collaborative projects alongside local experts, allowing students to apply the skillsets they learn in class to real-world projects involving AI. Other partnerships include MSOE’s Data Science Practicum and MKE Tech Hub Coalition.

For working professionals looking to expand their knowledge of AI, MSOE’s Center for Professional Education (CPE) offers AI and Machine Learning programs and certificates. MSOE also offers an online M.S. in Machine Learning built for working professionals looking to advance their skills and take their career to the next level.

Additionally, as part of MSOE’s Next Bold Step campaign and construction of the Robert D. Kern Engineering Innovation Center, a Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence Education will be established. This center will guide initiatives across campus, attract top faculty talent and support area businesses. It will allow faculty, staff and students to rethink what’s possible and incorporate AI into their multidisciplinary programs and projects.

To learn more about AI at MSOE, visit our AI microsite.