Become a master of artificial intelligence (AI) over a hot drink and a scone.
Nelson AI Café is a new version of the volunteer-run Nelson AI Sandbox, which produces free AI tutorials and discussions that are “accessible and engaging” for everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or socio-economic status.
The cafe, attached to the Halifax Cafe, is the first of its kind in New Zealand, and co-founder Richard Brudnik-Lindner says the cafe’s welcoming environment should encourage more people to get excited about engaging with AI, which he says is fundamental to a thriving community.
“We find that the more we can incorporate AI into a context that people are already familiar with, the more they engage with the topic, try the tools, have conversations, and feel less threatened,” Richard says.
“The flip side of that is there are a lot of people who are already excited about AI and confident in AI, but they need a little bit of a playground. And we have thousands of dollars worth of AI tools that people can come in, take a little sample, go home, go back to work, and order those tools and make it part of their lives.
“It’s really about building stronger communities, strengthening our social fabric, strengthening our economies, and creating places where people feel confident in striving for the future.”
Since 2023, Nelson AI Sandbox has helped more than 25,000 people across Nelson Tasman and beyond understand, adopt and effectively use artificial intelligence, while working to protect communities from harm.
The organization partners with more than 210 nonprofit organizations across Tetawihu through free workshops funded by the Rutter Foundation, has approximately 30 volunteers, operates an AI Lab at the Elma Turner Library, and hosts free public lectures featuring experts from around the world.
The cafe, which opened last week, has been running on a trial basis for three months. Open seven days a week, visitors can make reservations or just drop by.
