Get ready to ignite your understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) on supercomputing systems at RTO Ignite: AI, a dynamic half-day event hosted by ASU Research Computing. Formerly known as AI Ignition: Fueling Your Knowledge, this event brings together ASU faculty, students, and staff to explore the innovations and applications of AI in research.

Join us for an engaging exploration of AI's transformative potential and its role in shaping the future of research and innovation at ASU with your friends from the Research Technology Office (RTO). Whether you are a seasoned AI researcher or just beginning your journey, RTO Ignite: AI promises valuable insights and inspiration for all attendees.

Materials

Ignition Start: Meet the Research Technology Office and Explore AI Resources

Slides

Kick off the day by meeting the team behind the Research Technology Office (RTO) and discovering the powerful tools and services available to accelerate your work. This session will highlight updates to the Sol supercomputer, introduce key AI-focused resources, and showcase how RTO supports researchers across disciplines. Whether you are a seasoned user or just getting started, this is where your journey ignites into what is possible.

Escaping Flatland: Rethinking AI Literacy

Slides

In this conversation, we'll talk about what approaches are used frequently to bring about "AI Literacy," and ways to improve our framing and design of processes for integrating AI into organizations.

Using NVIDIA cuOpt for Prescriptive Optimization

Slides

AI applications are built around technology designed to predict the next word. The focus of these apps is often on generating insights, with less attention paid to what happens next — decision making. That’s where NVIDIA cuOpt comes in. As an open-source prescriptive optimization engine, cuOpt takes AI outputs and determines the best course of action — whether it's rerouting a fleet, reassigning inventory, or rescheduling tasks. In essence, cuOpt operationalizes AI — enabling organizations to go from prediction to intelligent, optimized decisions at scale.

Running Large Language Models on Sol and Beyond

Slides

Explore better practices for managing research data than simply letting it sit on a POSIX filesystem. This session introduces modern tools — Git LFS, DVC, and LakeFS — that support scalable, trackable, and collaborative data workflows. We’ll provide a quick demo of each tool, highlight their use cases, and share how you can access resources through the NSF ACCESS program to support your AI and data-intensive research beyond Sol.

Beyond Sol: Exploring NAIRR, NRP, and Jetstream2

Slides

This interactive session will showcase how to access and use Jetstream2, National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR), and the National Research Platform (NRP) to accelerate your work from running virtual machines to tapping into cutting-edge AI tools. Whether you are new to these platforms or looking to scale your research beyond local systems like Sol, this demo will help you get started.

Igniting Discovery: AI Research Talks and Audience Q&A

Slides

Join us for a dynamic session spotlighting researchers who are pushing the boundaries of AI in their fields. Through short, engaging talks, speakers will share how they are applying AI to accelerate discovery, solve complex problems, and open new avenues of inquiry. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions, share perspectives, and spark new ideas of your own.

Closing the Loop: Reflections and Guided Networking

Slides

Wrap up the day with space to reflect, connect, and share insights from the sessions. We will revisit key takeaways and invite engaging dialogue around AI, research, and innovation. Through guided networking prompts, you will continue the spark of collaboration that began earlier in the day. Whether you are staying curious or planning your next big idea, this is your opportunity to close the loop and keep the momentum going.