Empowering AI Innovation: Thimphu TechPark’s Information Access Center
Equipped with advanced high-performance workstations, smartboards, and video conferencing tools, the IAC aims to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment for AI education and innovation.
Focus and Initiatives
The IAC initiative focuses on enhancing IT literacy and promoting international IT collaboration. Recently, the center conducted a four-day training session, including AI/Cloud-based educational platform training and AI data labeling workshops. These programs, led by experts from the Republic of Korea, are designed to equip educators and administrators with the skills to manage AI and cloud-based courses effectively. The data labeling training, crucial for preparing AI models, utilizes the Black Olive platform for efficient data management.
Participation and Impact
The training saw participation from 36 individuals across various sectors, including teachers, lecturers, and IT graduates, reflecting the growing interest in AI fields. The center’s establishment is part of a broader initiative funded by the Korean government through the National Information Society Agency (NIA), which aims to improve access to ICT in developing countries.
The Secretary of GovTech Agency, Jigme Tenzing, highlighted the importance of the IAC in nurturing Bhutanese youth interested in AI. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts with NIA in providing AI facilities and resources, helping overcome limitations faced by aspiring AI innovators.
Further Developments
The newly established IAC at TTPL, alongside another at the Royal Institute of Management, focuses on promoting startups and small-scale businesses, enhancing ICT growth, and serving as a platform for learning and research. With its state-of-the-art facilities, the IAC is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI education and innovation in Bhutan.
