Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has a message for graduates, many of them anxious about whether or not synthetic intelligence (AI) would render their hard-earned levels irrelevant earlier than they even land their first job. His reply is straight: cease worrying and begin working.“No generation has entered the world with more powerful tools — or greater opportunities — than you,” the Nvidia founder and CEO told the 5,800 students sitting before him at Carnegie Mellon University. Huang added: “We are all standing at the same starting line. This is your moment to help shape what comes next. So run. Don’t walk.”
AI ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’, says Jensen Huang
Huang, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science and Technology at the ceremony for his work in accelerated computing and AI, painted a picture of an economy on the verge of transformation. He argued that this economy would create opportunities rather than eliminate them. The AI development underway across the US, he said, represents a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to reindustrialise America and restore the nation’s capacity to build”, adding that the opportunity is not limited to software engineers and AI researchers. He noted that the construction of chip factories, data centres and advanced manufacturing facilities will require plumbers, electricians, ironworkers and builders – who will not be replaced by any algorithm anytime soon.“A new industry is being born. A new era of science and discovery is beginning. I cannot imagine a more exciting time to begin your life’s work,” Huang added.“Every major technological revolution in history created fear alongside opportunity. When society engages technology openly, responsibly, and optimistically, we expand human potential far more than we diminish it,” he added.
Intel’s CEO congratulates Jensen Huang
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan was present at the event, and placed the doctoral hood on Huang during the ceremony. Tan used the moment to publicly confirm the partnership between Intel and Nvidia, two companies that have long competed for dominance in the chip market.“Congratulations to my good friend Jensen Huang on being awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science and Technology from @CarnegieMellon University for his outstanding contributions to accelerated computing and Artificial Intelligence. It was my honor to place upon him his doctoral hood this morning,” Tan said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).