03 February 2009

Google and NASA get behind the University of the Future

Welcome to the University of the Future, a university with the goal of 'preparing humanity for accelerating technological change'.

In simpler terms, Singularity University believes the coming century will see artificial intelligence overtake human capability. Singularity University's goal therefore is to educate future scientists as well as the rest of humanity about this new, rapidly approaching, era of dynamic technological change.

While this 'brave new world' may seem a little far-fetched for the rest of us, the ideas are gradually gaining a mainstream acceptance, thanks partly to the writings of Ray Kurzweil.

Ray Kurzweil, one of the two main founders, is a scientist well-known for his predictions concerning artificial intelligence. In his 1990 book, The Age of Intelligent Machines, Kurzweil predicted that by 1998, computers would beat the world's best chess players, an event which was confirmed in 1997.

Kurzweil is also well known for his predictions about the internet. In 1990 he predicted the growth of the internet, as well as the move to wireless devices in the 21st century.

Backing the university are Google and NASA who believe the future could see the development of computers which are capable of solving major world problems such as famine, alternative energies and climate change.

Other famous scientists backing the University include Dr. Peter Diamandis of the XPrize Foundation, Dr Robert Richards, co-founder of the International Space University, Vint Cerf, one of the original internet founders and Salim Ismail, founder of Yahoo!'s Brickhouse team, who will be running the University.

Singularity University will launch this summer and will be based near Mountain View, California. Those interested in enrolling should consider classes in nanotechnology, biotechnology and information technology and should be open to discussing these subjects with a view to solving the world's problems.

Singularity University, which is modelled on the International Space University in Strasbourg, will also have a strong focus on financing the student's bright ideas through entrepreneurism, an idea at the core of Google's business approach. Several venture capitalists and representatives from some of the biggest technological firms will be present on campus, particularly on 'pitch day' when students try to attract funding for a new business idea.

Unlike the traditional university semesters, Singularity will run nine week study courses every summer and the since the university is not accredited, these will not count towards a traditional higher education diploma or degree.

That said, if you do managed to solve world hunger, this will probably count for more on your CV anyway.

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