White House Pledges $100 Mn to Boost Federal Agencies’ Access to Tech Talent

The Joe Biden-led administration has pledged US$100 million from government, academia, and civil society to enhance government access to a broad spectrum of emerging tech talent.

Several universities in the states and additional institutions will provide financial support to advance talent in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

Around US$32 million will extend the Experiential Learning in Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program, fostering inclusive learning opportunities.

Another US$16 million will go towards the second phase of the Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) program, integrating ethical and societal aspects into technology development.

Furthermore, “The Department of Defense (DoD), with support from OSTP, will launch the Trusted Advisors Pilot this year. This program will create a pool of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and AI experts that can be tapped by agencies,” the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) said in a press release.

In March, the Biden administration announced plans to use US $70 million for hiring Chief AI Officers (CAIO). It further sought US$ 3 billion for federal agencies’ use of AI.