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About SPARK AI

SDSC's industry-focused AI Consortium driving innovation, strategy, and trustworthy AI governance

Our Mission

Interdisciplinary AI research draws inspiration from many fields of science and management. SPARK's mission is to advance AI knowledge, strategy and practice to achieve business success and competitive advantage, and to influence the development of modern, transparent and trustworthy regulatory policy, implementation and corporate governance.

Our Program

The SPARK AI Forum

SPARK AI Forum - hosts events featuring industry and academic speakers, holds discussion forums on important AI topic areas, connects Consortium members in areas of common and synergistic topics.

The SPARK AI Project Incubator

SPARK AI Project Incubator – engages with industry and academic partners on specific project-based activities. Aligned with areas of interest and investigation in AI.

Focus Areas

R&D

Concept development and research to further understanding of AI governance and commercialization, helping to shape corporate decision-making.

Project Incubator

Develop measurable frameworks for observability and transparency in AI systems, enabling deeper understanding and accountability in foundation models, training data, and their applications.

Workforce Education

Provide experiential AI training designed to upskill the workforce, accelerate technology adoption, and embed agile, data-driven practices across organizational functions.

AI in Public and Civic Life

Partnering with public and civic organizations, SPARK will help identify applications and use cases where AI can measurably improve social services effectiveness and delivery.

Our Story

SPARK AI was founded in 2024 as a response to the rapidly evolving AI landscape and the growing need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address the complex challenges of AI implementation in business contexts.

Hosted at the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), SPARK AI brings together the technical expertise of AI researchers in advanced computation, data science, and integrative AI solutions with the practical insights and expertise of industry leaders to create a unique ecosystem for innovation and thought leadership.

Our consortium is built around an eclectic mix of AI experts, senior data professionals, general managers, and academic researchers, united by a common goal: to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that create sustainable value for businesses while benefiting society as a whole.

Our Values

Academic Integrity

Commitment to rigorous, reproducible, and unbiased research, grounded in critical inquiry and peer review.

Open Science and Knowledge Sharing

Advancement of AI through transparency, open data, open-source tools, and the broad dissemination of research for the public good.

Human-Centered Innovation

Development of AI systems that enhance human capabilities, address real-world needs, and serve the public interest.

Diversity of Perspective and Thought

Encouragement of intellectual pluralism, collaboration across disciplines, and inclusion of varied viewpoints to strengthen outcomes.

Education and Talent Development

Preparation of future researchers, leaders, and practitioners through experiential learning, mentorship, and public engagement.

Long-Term Impact

Emphasis on research and education that deepens our understanding of the scientific and experiential foundations of AI, prioritizing long-term progress over immediate applications or short-term technological gains.

LIVING WITH AI

SPARK AI's vision is to develop innovative and practical solutions for how people and organizations create, consume, and interact through the power of AI, amplifying their impact on how we live, work and connect with the world.

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