How Cal Poly is adapting to the future of "Learn By Doing" with Artificial Intelligence

 

Cal Poly is building a rapidly growing AI ecosystem that spans student organizations, faculty research, and industry partnerships. Across campus, students aren’t just learning about AI, they’re using it to build real systems, from startup-style applications to applied research projects.
Through initiatives like the NVIDIA AI Factory, AWS partnerships, and hands-on programs like DxHub, Cal Poly emphasizes a “learn by doing” approach to artificial intelligence. The result is a collaborative environment where students, researchers, and industry partners work together to explore, develop, and deploy AI in real-world contexts.

 

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These initiatives are driving AI at Cal Poly:

 

AI Initiatives
NVIDIA AI Factory (coming soon) Cal Poly’s next-generation AI compute and research platform Coming soon, the NVIDIA AI Factory will equip Cal Poly with enterprise-grade AI infrastructure, giving students and researchers the ability to train large-scale machine learning models and develop advanced AI applications on campus.   Learn more about the NVIDIA AI Factory
DxHub Student-led innovation lab building real-world AI and software solutions DxHub connects students with real-world projects, where teams build AI-powered tools and software solutions for industry partners in fast-paced development cycles.   Learn more about DxHub
CSU AI Summercamp (Powered by AWS) Hands-on AI program for CSU and community college students The CSU AI Summercamp is a hands-on program that brings together students from across the CSU and California Community College systems to learn and build AI applications. Participants use modern tools and AWS technologies to create projects like AI assistants, automation tools, and data-driven applications in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.   Learn more about CSU AI Summercamp
CS+AI Student-led AI club building projects and exploring machine learning CS+AI is a student-led organization dedicated to building and exploring artificial intelligence through hands-on projects and collaboration. The club hosts workshops, develops AI-powered applications, and provides a space for students to experiment with technologies like machine learning, LLMs, and computer vision.   Learn more about CS+AI
AI for Search & Rescue Leveraging AI to support real-world search and rescue missions AI For Search and Rescue is a long-running research project headed by Dr. Franz Kurfess, and supported by SAR professionals Gary Bloom and Dr. Chris Young. The aim of the project is to use technology to improve the management process and outcomes of SAR missions. There is a strong need for technological integration in the field, and this project is aiming to explore what kinds of technology might be useful.   Learn more about AI for Search & Rescue
AI Ethics Lab Student–faculty partnership focused on responsible AI The Cal Poly Artificial Intelligence Ethics Lab (AI/EL) is an interdisciplinary student and faculty partnership focused on the ethical, legal, and social challenges of emerging AI technologies. The lab provides opportunities for students to engage in discussions, explore research, and connect with faculty on responsible approaches to AI.   Learn more about AI Ethics Lab
Cal Poly Vibe Coding Student-led club focused on AI-native coding and experimentation Members participate in weekly hands-on sessions, workshops, and hackathons to experiment with new technologies and rapidly turn ideas into working applications. The club also hosts industry speakers who share insights on AI, development, and careers in tech.   Learn more about Cal Poly Vibe Coding
Kiro Cal Poly students granted free access to AWS’s agentic AI development platform Through a partnership with AWS, Cal Poly students receive free access to Kiro, an agentic AI-powered development environment designed for building and iterating on software. This initiative also supports events like KiroHacks, a campus hackathon where students build projects using AI-native workflows and connect with industry.   Learn more about Kiro
AI Convening 2025 Exploring responsible and human-centered AI innovation across education, research, and industry The inaugural AI Convening brought together Cal Poly faculty, staff, and industry partners to explore the role of artificial intelligence in higher education. The event featured panels, demonstrations, and research showcases focused on responsible and human-centered AI innovation across teaching, research, campus operations, and industry.   Learn more about the 2025 AI Convening
AI Symposium 2026 Exploring the impact of AI through innovation, education, ethics, and collaborative learning. The AI Symposium brought together faculty, staff, students, and industry leaders to explore the future of artificial intelligence through collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning. The event featured discussions on AI in industry and higher education, ethical and human-centered AI, and interactive sessions covering AI basics, creative applications, and networking opportunities.   Learn more about the 2026 AI Symposium
College of Liberal Arts (CLA) - Teaching with AI Symposium Interdisciplinary faculty initiative exploring AI in teaching and learning The Teaching with AI Symposium brought together faculty from across disciplines to share research, teaching practices, and classroom experiments involving artificial intelligence. The event fostered dialogue around responsible AI use, AI literacy, and the future of teaching and learning in higher education.   Learn more about the CLA Teaching with AI Symposium

 

Have an AI initiative to share?

Scan the QR code or use the link below to add your Cal Poly AI Initiative to this list.

Add your Cal Poly AI Initiative