Paving the way for technological empowerment: The AI Core
At the University of Arizona, the AI Core is a paid student program driving innovation in artificial intelligence. Managed through the Institute for Computation and Data-Enabled Insight, the AI Core engages a team of 10–12 students—ranging from AI engineers to XR developers—to build AI applications that improve university services and support real-world projects.
Key initiatives include:
Virtual retail modeling tools that simulate product placement and customer interaction.
A cost-effective AI chat platform—offering similar functionality to tools like ChatGPT for as little as $2–3/month.
A widely recognized digital twin of the Lundgren Consumer Science Lab.
A new digital twin project for Biosphere 2, supporting environmental research and Indigenous food sovereignty.
A two-year partnership with the Pima County Visitor Center, creating interactive platforms to boost local tourism.