Netflix Co-Founder Gives $50M to Bowdoin College for AI Studies
A massive $50 million donation from Reed Hastings to Bowdoin College stands as the biggest single gift in the school’s 200-year history. The money will launch a cutting-edge artificial intelligence research program.
The new Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity at the Brunswick campus will have students explore big questions about AI’s impact on society while getting ready for major tech changes ahead. The program blends practical research with deep thinking about what AI means for our future.
“AI’s potential impact could be much larger than that of social networks,” said Hastings in a statement.
The big funding lets Bowdoin bring in 10 top faculty members. At the same time, current professors will weave modern AI topics into their classes and research.
Led by neuroscientist and college president Safa Zaki, the initiative aims to help develop responsible tech practices. Students will dig into tough questions about how AI will shape our future.
Through hands-on learning, students will study how AI changes the way people interact and work. The program wants to help create smart rules for using technology ethically.
Hastings, who graduated from Bowdoin in 1983 with a math degree, made this game-changing gift as schools across the country rush to beef up their AI programs. His donation puts the small Maine college at the leading edge of AI education.
