ChatGPT is a large language model trained by OpenAI. Its primary function is to assist with generating text(answers) based on the input(question) it receives. It does this by using natural language processing techniques to analyze the input and generate responses that are relevant and coherent.
“I am not a physical entity, but rather a computer program designed to help with tasks involving the generation of text,” it replies when asked, who are you?
A large language model is a type of artificial intelligence system that has been trained on a massive amount of text data. The model learns the complexities and nuances of natural language and generates text that is both relevant and reasonable. Large language models can be used for a variety of tasks, such as machine translation, summarization, and question-answering.
In the case of ChatGPT, It is specifically designed to assist with generating text in response to user input. Allowing it to provide relevant and helpful information on a wide range of topics in a conversational way.
The OpenAI chatbot does not have access to the internet or any other external sources of information. It can so far only provide information based on the text data used to train it. In as much as it can generate text on a wide range of topics, it is not able to provide up-to-date information on all topics.
Here are 5 ways you can use ChatGPT
Answering questions
It can provide information on a wide range of topics, allowing people to get answers to their questions quickly and easily.
Summarizing text
It can help people understand longer pieces of text by summarizing the main points and key ideas.
Generating reports
It can help people generate reports and other written documents. It can currently generate financial, technical, market research, scientific, and environmental reports.
Translating text
The chatbot can assist with translating text from one language to another, making it easier for people to communicate with others who speak different languages. However, we are unable to tell how many languages it can translate to.
Writing assistance
It can help people with their writing by suggesting words and phrases and providing assistance with grammar and punctuation. We have also seen others share it helping them write letters, essays, and more.
Overall, the conversational AI chatbot is still in its early days of development and will need some more training. It’s big on the conversational way compared to previous chat AI’s like Siri, Cortana, and Alexa.
Editor’s note: This post and all the details about the AI chatbot were a conversation with the bot. We have edited the conversation out as a post for easy reading.
Microsoft has launched a training programme targeting the Omani youth that focuses on developing cloud, data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills dubbed ‘Build the Skills of the Future’ in partnership with The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), Oman.
This initiative comes as part of the MoU signed between both organizations in May this year. It is also in line with The Digital Competency Qualification Initiative (Makeen) to empower Omani youth with advanced digital skills needed to succeed in the digital era as well as provide them with income-generating opportunities in the digital sector. The initiative aims to train ten thousand Omani youths in digital skills by 2025.
Through the ‘Build the Skills of the Future’ programme, Microsoft will equip students, academia, SMEs, startups and government employees with the necessary skills to succeed in the ever-evolving technology and innovation ecosystem. The training also aligns with the government’s digital transformation programme, set to run until 2025. This complements one of the National Digital Economy Programme initiatives – a key facilitator toward accomplishing Oman Vision 2040 for sustainability and economic diversification.
The ‘Build the Skills of the Future’ training programme kicked off on November 6th and will continue until December 7th 2022 at the Middle East College in Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Rusayl, offering five Microsoft Azure certification tracks.
Omani youths can choose from a range of skill levels and course topics that will enlighten them on the fundamentals of cloud, Data and AI, as well as designing and implementing a complete Data and AI solution.
Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, General Manager for Microsoft in Oman and Bahrain, said, “The significance of combining academic qualifications with digital capabilities and professional certifications has become imperative for current employees, entrepreneurs, and those aspiring to join the workforce.”
“We at Microsoft remain committed to encouraging lifelong learning, skilling and upskilling the workforce to fill professional gaps and ensure wholesome digital and economic transformation. With Microsoft’s unrivalled expertise, this training initiative with MTCIT will ensure government employees, students, as well as other professionals, are equipped with valued skills to accelerate the country’s digital transformation programme and ultimately drive the actualization of Oman Vision 2040”, he added.
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Microsoft is announcing plans to build a new team of data scientists on the ground in Africa to work to improve climate resilience, by setting up AI for Good Labs in Nairobi, Kenya, and Cairo, Egypt. This will be the company’s first global expansion of the AI for Good Lab. The new team will work with local partners to use AI on new climate initiatives.
Currently, statistics show that for every five data scientists in the Global North there is one in the Global South. In Africa the situation is dire and the gap is wider. For every data scientist in Africa, there are 14 in the Global North. This means a gap in the available reliable data to work with. As well as being able to turn them into insights for the decision-makers to use. This is why Microsoft is planning to open AI for Good Labs in Africa to help close that divide.
As world and business leaders gather in Egypt for COP27, Juan Lavista Ferres, Chief Data Scientist, AI for Good, Microsoft, reveals Microsoft’s plans to close the climate data divide in the Global South. The work of the Labs he notes will be informed by the Microsoft Africa AI Innovation Council. Another new establishment by Microsoft in partnership with representatives from African organizations such as the AfDB, and African Climate Foundation.
“We see these days ahead as an opportunity to engage in important discussions and take steps toward solutions. Today we are sharing details about our work to support new climate solutions. By harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI), with an expansion of our AI for Good Research Lab into Egypt and Kenya.“
Juan Lavista Ferres
“Access to reliable climate data is critical to inform decision-making and avoid the worst effects of climate change“, says Wael El Kabbany, General Manager, Africa Regional Cluster, Microsoft. “We believe these labs will be significant in closing the climate data divide“, he adds.
Microsoft AI for Good Lab
The Microsoft AI for Good Lab consists of data scientists and researchers who use AI, Machine Learning, and statistical modeling to address human challenges. Across the AI for Good program portfolio—Earth, Accessibility, Humanitarian Action, Cultural Heritage, and Health. They work on issues that improve societies and environments with a focus on sustainability.
Juan adds that Microsoft “will work to scale AI for Good projects and support startups in the region to deliver new AI innovations“. Africa-based data scientists will have access to satellite imagery thanks to a partnership between Microsoft and Plant Labs. To address challenges nominated by the Africa AI Innovation Council with a special focus on adaptation and early warning systems.
The new Microsoft AI for Good labs in the region will bring in new jobs as it hires data scientists and researchers with experience in computer vision, statistics, and artificial intelligence.
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Microsoft and INJAZ Qatar launch Women Technopreneurs, a project to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into women’s entrepreneurship. The Women Technopreneurs project will focus on entrepreneurship with an emphasis on AI technology.
It will seek to increase the knowledge and qualification of young women in tech. So they can use these skills to benefit the integrated field of technology and business. Microsoft will provide AI knowledge and expertise to the participants in this project.
The project will select 30-40 young women, 18-30 years with an interest in a career in technology and AI from academic institutions in Qatar.
The selected participants will receive support, guidance, and assistance from experts, volunteers and members from Microsoft and INJAZ Qatar for 3 months. They will get the opportunity to improve and broaden their skill set. As well as gain hands-on experience and develop a strong work ethic.
Participants will team up to come up with business ideas that integrate Artificial Intelligence and compete against each other. The winning team will be enrolled in an accelerator program at the Qatar Science and Technology Park. Where they will receive intensive training and mentorship to turn their ideas into a commercially viable business.
Speaking at the launch event, Lana Khalaf, Country Manager at Microsoft Qatar said advanced cloud technologies like AI are driving new economic opportunities for the people of Qatar. Noting, It is vital to ensure everyone has access to these economic opportunities. That is why Microsoft is accelerating efforts to close the digital skills gap and promote inclusion and accessibility. The partnership with INJAZ Qatar to launch Women Technopreneurs comes in line with Microsoft’s commitment to empower young women to innovate, lead and succeed in an increasingly digital world.
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Flapmax is launching Fast Accelerator, a startup incubation program in partnership with Microsoft to help strengthen and scale Africa’s digital ecosystem. The accelerator program targets startups building cloud and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technology products and services. It is currently accepting applications from entrepreneurs and innovators to participate in the first cohort.
The first cohort will prioritize business to business (B2B) startups across all industries. With a special interest in healthtech, fintech, edutech, industrial and agritech, sustainability, and deeptech companies. FAST Accelerator startup applicants must be based in Africa. They must have an established product-market fit, be ready to expand within the continent. Applicants must also be available to participate in the full program between March 7 and May 27, 2022.
It will provide direct investment in African tech leaders, says Gerald Maithya, SME and Startups Lead, Africa Transformation Office, Microsoft. Adding that Africa is poised to become the next international technology hub.
“We are excited to partner with Flapmax in our mission of empowering every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. The FAST program will provide direct investment in the technology leaders of tomorrow in the region, helping build key infrastructure that uses artificial intelligence as the basis for solutions development.”
The FAST Accelerator program will combine business development, technology integration, funding and community building opportunities. Participants will work with Microsoft engineering team members on co-innovation projects ranging from product integrations to new offerings. Whilst the Flapmax engineering team will help startups apply new technology solutions, including Measure, Coral Imaging, and Fast Portal. Additional perks include up to $250,000 in Azure credits, access to Founders Hub, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365 (including Teams).
“At Flapmax our mission is to enrich the lives of everyone on the planet and make the world more sustainable, using accelerated AI technology,” says Dave Ojika, founder and CEO, Flapmax. “We are proud to partner with Microsoft to make that dream a reality for startup founders committed to strengthening the digital ecosystem in Africa“.
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