Many Hoosiers are aware that technology has pervaded the farming industry. But, arguably, the extent of its pervasiveness is less understood by Hoosier high schoolers.
Starting October 14, two powerhouses are teaming up to teach students about transformational technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) in particular, and how it is being used by farmers and adding value to the agbiosciences industry altogether
The Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp, hosted by Corteva Agriscience, is taking root in Indianapolis later this month.
The bootcamp is targeted toward high school students, particularly those that are underserved, and offers participants a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI. Corteva, the Indianapolis-based seed and crop-protection giant, has been selected as one of a handful of host companies across the U.S. for the bootcamps, which are the brainchild of the Mark Cuban Foundation.
The local bootcamp will be held on four consecutive Saturdays, and Corteva officials hope this is the first of many such events it will host with the Mark Cuban Foundation. Cuban, an Indiana University graduate, is a tech scion who also owns the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. He made his first mark in the tech sector more than 20 years ago by pioneering technology to stream sports broadcasts. Since then, he’s invested in tech companies that have been involved in broadband, blockchain technology and more. He’s also been one of the stars on the reality TV show Shark Tank and an active investor in various companies.
Getting involved in Cuban’s AI bootcamp initiative was a no brainer, according to Corteva officials. In addition to reaching underserved teens, it’s a critical tool for identifying and working with up-and-coming talent.
“Finding mentorships is so important. I know it was a huge propellant for me,” says Dominique Pianeli, senior product manager from Corteva. “The more educated you are on different opportunities the better.”
And the benefit is a two-way street, states Pianeli, adding that the bootcamp affords companies the ability to explain the opportunities in their industries to promising students. Filling those jobs will be key to fueling the future U.S. and global economy and assuring the country maintains its position as a global technology leader.
“You have to have conversations with students about things they don’t know about,” Pianeli expresses.
Artificial intelligence is projected to be among the fastest-growing areas of employment through 2027 based on survey results highlighted by the World Economic Forum earlier this year. AI is already making a big impact on agbioscience, says Pianeli, and ensuring there’s enough talent to fuel continued development is a key Corteva and agricultural industry priority.
During the bootcamp, students will explore the world of artificial intelligence, including ethical implications and real-life applications, such as TikTok recommendations, smart-home assistants, facial recognition and self-driving cars. Participants will also discover the features of large language models, like ChatGPT, which can answer questions, create original stories and even generate computer code.
Volunteer corporate mentors, who are knowledgeable in AI, machine learning and data science, will lead the students through the curriculum.
The Mark Cuban Foundation provides the bootcamp curriculum materials, trains corporate volunteer mentors and recruits and scores applications for local students selected to attend camp.
Additionally, the Mark Cuban Foundation and Corteva will work together to provide food, information on transportation options and access to laptops for students to use during the bootcamp.
Previously, the Mark Cuban Foundation has hosted AI bootcamps in Atlantic City, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit and Pittsburgh.
Pianeli is hopeful Corteva will be involved in more of these events.
“I would absolutely love to see us have multiple locations for the camp and to be able to really spread that across a lot of the Corteva campuses,” she says. “In the next few years that will be even more critical. … Being able to keep up with the tech wave will be difficult, so I would love us to be able to impact more students not only with the foundation but also with Corteva.”
To hear more about the upcoming bootcamp, the Mark Cuban Foundation offers has a detailed explainer.
