Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has a message for graduates, many of whom are worried that artificial intelligence (AI) will make their hard-earned degrees worthless even before they land their first job. His answer is straightforward. Stop worrying and start running.“No generation has come into the world with more powerful tools or greater opportunities than you,” the NVIDIA founder and CEO told the 5,800 students seated in front of him at Carnegie Mellon University. Fan added: “We are all at the same starting line. Now is the time to help shape what comes next. So run, don’t walk.”
Jensen Huang says AI is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”
Huang, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science and Technology degree at the ceremony for his research in accelerated computing and AI, painted a picture of an economy on the brink of transformation. He argued that this economy would create opportunities rather than eliminate them. He said the ongoing AI developments across the United States represent “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reindustrialize America and restore our nation’s ability to build,” adding that this opportunity is not limited to software engineers and AI researchers. He noted that building chip factories, data centers, and advanced manufacturing facilities requires plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, and contractors, and these will not be replaced by any algorithms in the near future.“A new industry is emerging. A new era of science and discovery begins. I can’t think of a more exciting time to start your life’s work,” Huang added.“Every great technological revolution in history has created fear as well as opportunity. When societies approach technology openly, responsibly, and optimistically, we expand human potential far more than we contract it,” he added.
Intel CEO congratulates Jensen Huang
Intel CEO Lip Vu Tan also attended the event and presented Huang with a PhD hood during the ceremony. Tan used the opportunity to publicly confirm a partnership between Intel and Nvidia, two companies that have long competed for dominance in the chip market.“Congratulations to my good friend Jensen Huang, who has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science and Technology degree from @CarnegieMellon University for his outstanding contributions to accelerated computing and artificial intelligence. It was an honor to award him the title this morning,” Tan said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
